Delicious & Easy Turkey and Stuffing Balls: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer & Side
Are you searching for that ultimate appetizer or a memorable side dish to make your next potluck or holiday dinner truly special? Look no further than these incredible Turkey and Stuffing Balls! They capture all the cherished flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a convenient, bite-sized form that’s both simple to prepare and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Why These Turkey & Stuffing Balls Will Become Your New Holiday Favorite
Let’s be honest: many of us eagerly anticipate sinking our teeth into that glorious Thanksgiving dinner. The comforting combination of savory turkey, aromatic sage, and sweet onions is a flavor profile that’s truly hard to beat. But what if you could enjoy those iconic tastes without all the strenuous effort and hours of cooking? This recipe for Turkey and Stuffing Balls offers just that!
These savory bites are not just a clever way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors; they are remarkably easy to make, ensuring they’ll be a big hit with anyone who appreciates a hearty turkey dinner. Whether you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests, a unique addition to your holiday spread, or a comforting weeknight meal, these stuffing balls deliver on all fronts.
Beyond their ease and deliciousness, these Turkey and Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile. They transition seamlessly from an elegant party appetizer to a comforting side dish alongside other holiday favorites. Their small, spherical shape makes them ideal for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce, offering a fun and interactive eating experience that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion, Especially the Holidays
This recipe comes together so quickly, making it absolutely perfect for a chilly autumn or winter evening when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. While they’re an excellent way to tide you over until the main Thanksgiving event, they’re equally fantastic for any gathering during the fall and winter seasons.
Another significant advantage, especially around the holidays, is that many of the ingredients can be found on sale. This makes the recipe not only simple and delicious but also incredibly affordable to prepare. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Chances are, you’ll fall in love with these Turkey and Stuffing Balls and find yourself making them again and again throughout the festive season and beyond!
For your convenience, a printable version of the complete recipe is included below.
Ingredients for Irresistible Turkey and Stuffing Balls
Creating these delightful bites requires just a handful of common ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient contributes to the overall festive flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons oil: For browning the turkey and sautéing the vegetables, adding a foundational flavor.
- 1 pound of ground turkey meat: The lean protein base that gives these balls their satisfying texture and classic flavor.
- ¼ cup onion, chopped: Finely chopped onion adds a pungent and aromatic sweetness crucial for Thanksgiving-inspired dishes.
- ¼ cup celery, chopped: Celery provides a subtle crunch and earthy flavor that complements the turkey and stuffing perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste!
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a mild warmth and balances the savory notes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage: This is the star spice, delivering that signature, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that defines holiday stuffing.
- 1 packet of stuffing mix (we used Stove Top): The ultimate convenience ingredient! It brings pre-seasoned breadcrumbs and herbs, making the process incredibly fast and flavorful.
- 2 eggs: Act as a binding agent, holding the turkey and stuffing mixture together so the balls don’t crumble during baking.
- 1 cup of water: Used to moisten the stuffing mix and help everything combine into a pliable mixture.
Making Turkey and Stuffing Balls: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple instructions to create perfect, flavorful Turkey and Stuffing Balls every time. The process is straightforward, ensuring delicious results even for novice cooks.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your balls are ready to bake.
- Prepare the turkey mixture:
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey meat and brown it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. This step is crucial for flavor and texture. Next, add the chopped onion, celery, salt, pepper, and ground sage. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for at least 10 minutes. Cooling prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely when added.
- Combine ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, eggs, and water. Stir these ingredients together until well blended. Then, gently fold in the cooled turkey and vegetable mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can lead to tougher stuffing balls.
- Form and bake the balls:
Using a quarter-cup measure or a medium cookie scoop, form the mixture into uniform balls. This ensures even cooking. Place the balls onto greased or parchment-lined oven pans, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color and are cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Allow the Turkey and Stuffing Balls to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps them firm up slightly, preventing them from breaking apart when handled or served.
That’s it! Pretty easy, right? We sincerely hope you enjoy these delicious and wonderfully simple Turkey and Stuffing Balls!
Serving Suggestions, Dips, and Pairings
These versatile Turkey and Stuffing Balls are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary sides and dipping sauces. For a mini-Thanksgiving experience, we highly recommend serving them up with some creamy creamed corn, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a generous drizzle of gravy – or simply a small bowl of gravy for dipping! They are absolutely amazing when dipped in savory gravy, offering comfort food at its finest.
If you’re looking for a super simple turkey gravy recipe, this no-drippings gravy is perfect and comes together in minutes. Other excellent dipping options include cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought), a tangy mustard sauce, or even a spiced autumn chutney. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Advice
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the turkey and stuffing mixture can result in tough, dense balls. Mix until just combined.
- Uniform Size: Use a scoop or measure to ensure all balls are roughly the same size. This guarantees even cooking.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite poultry seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
- Add Cheese: For an even richer flavor, incorporate a quarter cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the mixture before forming the balls.
- Different Ground Meats: While ground turkey is traditional, you can experiment with ground chicken or a pork-turkey blend for varied flavors.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Form the balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: These Turkey and Stuffing Balls freeze beautifully!
- To freeze unbaked: Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- To freeze baked: Allow cooked balls to cool completely. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I use homemade stuffing instead of a packet mix?
- A: Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade stuffing, it works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and slightly moist. You might need to adjust the amount of water or egg slightly to get the right consistency for forming balls.
- Q: What if my stuffing balls are falling apart?
- A: This usually means there isn’t enough binder. Try adding one more egg to the mixture. Also, make sure the turkey mixture was adequately cooled before mixing with the eggs and stuffing.
- Q: Can I air fry these?
- A: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Q: How long do leftovers last?
- A: Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Q: What other dipping sauces would be good?
- A: Besides gravy, consider a zesty dijon mustard, a creamy horseradish sauce, or even a sweet and savory apple chutney for an autumnal twist.
More Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Love
Looking to complete your holiday spread? Here are some other fantastic Thanksgiving side dish recipes from our collection:
- Easy Jiffy Cornbread Mix with Creamed Corn Casserole
- The Best Ever Creamed Spinach
- Decadent Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
- Classic Green Bean Casserole with a Hint of Worcestershire Sauce
- Convenient Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Or explore all our delightful Thanksgiving recipes here!
Turkey and Stuffing Balls
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1 pound of ground turkey meat
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup celery chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- 1 packet of stuffing mix we used Stove Top
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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In a large pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add in turkey meat. Brown 5-7 minutes, drain if necessary. Add in onion, celery, salt, pepper and sage. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables become tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, add in stuffing, eggs, and water. Mix together. Gently fold in meat.
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Create quarter cup amounts of balls. Add balls to grease lined oven pans. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a golden color.
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Allow balls to rest for a few minutes before serving, so to not have them break.
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