Turkey And Stuffing Balls

Savory Turkey and Stuffing Balls take all the comforting, herbaceous flavors of a traditional holiday roast dinner and pack them into bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside morsels. Whether you are looking for an inventive way to transform holiday leftovers or craving a cozy, macro-friendly comfort meal from scratch, these savory spheres are an absolute triumph.

Golden Baked Turkey & Stuffing Balls

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 25–30 minutes
• Yields: 4 to 6 servings (makes about 16–18 balls)

Ingredients

• The Core Meat & Stuffing Mixture:
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (or finely chopped leftover roasted turkey)
  • 2 cups prepared bread stuffing (or dry stuffing mix moistened with broth and egg)
  • 1 large egg (to bind the mixture together)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried sage (or poultry seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• The Glaze & Finish:
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing before baking)
  • 1.5 cups rich turkey or chicken gravy (for serving)
  • Optional addition: 1/3 cup dried cranberries or a side of tart cranberry sauce for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a small skillet, melt a teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for the final 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, beaten egg, sautéed aromatics, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly until cohesive—the stuffing acts as a built-in binder and flavor booster.
4. Roll and Shape: Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons per ball) and roll them firmly between your palms into uniform 1.5-inch spheres. Place them neatly on the prepared baking sheet with a small amount of space between each one.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the tops of the turkey and stuffing balls lightly with melted butter or olive oil to ensure a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the outer crust is crisp and deeply browned.

Serving Suggestion