Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate in satisfying, cozy comfort food. Blending the classic flavors of homemade stuffing with the ease and convenience of bite-sized morsels, this recipe offers a gourmet twist on a holiday favorite. Elegant and indulgent, these irresistible bites are sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are the epitome of refined, flavorful sophistication. Combining the rich, heartwarming taste of traditional stuffing with a delicate, bite-sized presentation, this recipe offers a truly unique and tempting culinary experience. The elegant, sensory-rich aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture will transport you to a cozy, joyful gathering, while the beautiful, carefully crafted appearance adds an air of gourmet indulgence. Whether served as a satisfying snack or a decadent appetizer, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
The key to the exceptional flavor and texture of these Turkey Stuffing Balls lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Featuring a blend of warm, comforting spices, savory turkey, and luscious bread cubes, this recipe celebrates the essence of classic stuffing in a refined, gourmet format. With just a few simple, high-quality components, you can create a truly heavenly and indulgent treat.
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) – Cubed bread, torn or diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup (150g) – Cooked turkey, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup (75g) – Diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup (75g) – Diced celery
- 2 tbsp (30g) – Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp – Poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp – Dried sage
- 1/4 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp – Ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Chicken or turkey broth
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread cubes with your favorite gluten-free bread or even cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Vegetarian: Replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
The process for creating these delectable Turkey Stuffing Balls is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing you to whip up a batch with minimal effort.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gathering all the necessary ingredients. Dice the onion and celery, then tear or cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. Combine the poultry seasoning, sage, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl, ready to season the mixture.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the onion and celery in the butter over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced turkey and continue cooking until lightly browned, approximately 3-5 minutes more. Stir in the bread cubes, followed by the seasoning blend, and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Gradually add the broth, mixing until the mixture becomes cohesive and holds together.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the stuffing mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or olive oil to enhance their beautiful, golden-brown appearance.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are crisp and heated through. Transfer the baked balls to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a final touch of elegance and flavor.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Indulgent Twist: Incorporate shredded cheese, caramelized onions, or crumbled bacon into the stuffing mixture for a more decadent flavor profile.
- Flavor Exploration: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or a hint of garlic, to create unique and personalized flavor variations.
- Texture Perfection: Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in a dense, compact consistency. Gently fold the components together to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake, for a hassle-free and impressive appetizer.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Turkey Stuffing Balls pair beautifully with a crisp salad, cranberry sauce, or a drizzle of warm, maple-infused gravy.
Storage: Any leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: These bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen or chilled balls according to the recipe instructions.
Nutrition Information
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful, indulgent treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a delicate balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making them a wholesome and satisfying option.
- Serving Size: 3 turkey stuffing balls
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply bake the frozen or chilled balls according to the recipe instructions.
Can I use different types of bread for the stuffing?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for classic bread cubes, you can experiment with various types of bread to suit your preferences. Try using sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
How do I ensure the Turkey Stuffing Balls don’t fall apart?
To keep the balls together, be sure not to overmix the stuffing mixture. Gently fold in the bread cubes and add just enough broth to bind the ingredients without making the mixture too wet. Additionally, be gentle when forming the balls, and use a light touch to shape them into uniform, cohesive portions.
Can I make these Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Instead of using traditional bread cubes, substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread or even cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice. Simply follow the same recipe instructions, adjusting the amount of broth as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
How can I reheat the Turkey Stuffing Balls?
For the best texture, reheat the Turkey Stuffing Balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as this can make the texture a bit soft. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated all the way through.
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Delightful Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory turkey and aromatic herbs, perfect for any gathering or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken broth and beaten egg, mixing until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
These can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg