Turkey Stuffing Balls With Gravy

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If you love all the savory, comforting flavors of a holiday roast but want a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy them year-round, Turkey Stuffing Balls With Gravy are an absolute treat. By rolling traditional bread stuffing into crispy-edged spheres and serving them swimming in a rich, savory pan gravy, you get the ultimate crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:

  • 4 cups dried bread cubes (or dry stuffing mix)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey or finely shredded turkey meat (optional, for extra protein)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 large egg (to help bind the balls together)
  • 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste

For the Savory Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste, with a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix the Stuffing: Place your dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the buttery onion-celery mixture (and cooked turkey, if using) over the bread. Whisk the egg into the chicken broth, then pour it over the bread mixture. Toss gently until the bread absorbs the liquid and holds its shape when squeezed.
  3. Roll and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out golf-ball-sized portions of the mixture, press them firmly between your hands to form tight spheres, and place them on the baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with a little oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Make the Quick Gravy: While the balls are baking, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm turkey broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened, then season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Serve: Place the warm, crispy stuffing balls in a shallow bowl or plate and ladle the savory turkey gravy generously right over the top.

A Heart-Healthy Adaptation

To keep this comfort classic light and nutrient-dense, you can use whole-grain or sourdough bread cubes, substitute olive oil for half of the butter, and rely on a rich, low-sodium bone broth for the gravy to boost natural minerals and protein.
Are you cooking up a cozy weekend dinner or looking for creative ways to repurpose classic savory flavors?

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