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Whip up these Turkey Stuffing Balls—they're little bites packed with Thanksgiving flavors. Combine pulled turkey, mashed potatoes, and leftover stuffing in one go. Dip them in gravy for extra yum. They’re awesome for using up leftovers or just treating yourself whenever you’d like.
Why Try Them
If Thanksgiving is your thing, these give you all that in a handy ball. Bring a batch to a get-together—everyone flips for them. Leftovers get a fun glow-up. You don’t need fancy skills, either; just toss and roll. Super simple, super tasty.
What You'll Need
- Mashed Potatoes: 1 cup, ready to go
- Paper: For lining that sheet pan
- Breadcrumbs: Keep some on hand for mixing if things get sticky
- Stuffing: 2 cups cooked
- Turkey: 2 cups cooked, pulled into small pieces
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough, taste as you go
- Pan: Large baking sheet for cooking
Making Them
- Set things up:
- Crank oven to 375°. Line your pan with baking paper.
- Get warm:
- Pop the mashed potatoes and stuffing in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Makes life easier when mixing.
- Blend it all:
- Chuck turkey, stuffing, and potatoes in a big bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Use your hands and squish it together well.
- Shape and prep:
- Form into balls—golf ball size. Too sticky? Sprinkle in breadcrumbs till they hold shape.
- Into the heat:
- Arrange balls on the sheet so they're not touching. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip them over halfway so they get brown everywhere.
- Check and serve:
- Make sure they're nice and hot, crispy outside. Eat right away with your favorite gravy. Folks sometimes love them with cranberry sauce too.
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What Makes Them Awesome
Imagine Thanksgiving on your plate in one little bite. They’re perfect for snacking at a party. Kids go nuts cause they can dip them. You won’t even need silverware. Turn yesterday’s dinner into something way more exciting.
What's Cool About Them
Every mouthful comes loaded with turkey, fluffy potatoes, and savory stuffing. The turkey stays juicy inside. The potatoes hold all of it together. They’re crisp on the surface and soft in the middle. Way more fun than eating plain leftovers.
Tips for Nailing It
Give the mix a taste before you toss in more salt—works best since leftovers usually have enough. Want crunch? Toss them in the air fryer if you can. Balls too soggy? Extra breadcrumbs fix it quick. If they’re dry, just stir in a touch more mashed potato. Roll with damp hands so nothing sticks.
How to Store
Stick them in the fridge in a sealed box—they're good for three days. Want to keep longer? Freeze for up to two months, wrapped tight. Heat them up using the oven or microwave until piping hot. Double up the batch—they disappear fast.
Ways to Change It Up
Mix it with any stuffing you want. Dried cranberries are a sweet surprise in some bites. Cheese stuffed in the center is wild. Shape them tiny for snacks or bigger for a full meal. Roll them in more stuffing crumbs if you’re after a crunchy shell.
Fun Ways to Eat
Serve with different dips—gravy, ranch, or cranberry get lots of love. Pop them into mini buns for sliders. Pile on a scoop of mashed potatoes. Great for lunchboxes or for munching during the game. So many ways to enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these early?
Totally! Roll them up, store in the fridge overnight, and cook when needed. Some folks double the batch—serve half now and save the rest. For a party, you can prep in the morning and heat them right before serving. Keep them from drying out by reheating with extra gravy. They stay warm well on a hot dish!
- → What's good for dipping?
Tons of options! Warmed gravy’s always a hit. Cranberry sauce adds a sweet kick. BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard work well too. Want something unique? Herb mayo or melted cheese sauce are great. Offer a mix and let folks pick. Warm dips pair best with these bites!
- → Help - they're falling apart!
No worries! Crumbled breadcrumbs (or dry stuffing) will hold them together. An egg can help if you’ve got one. Chop the ingredients small—big chunks make them fall apart. Roll tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes before cooking. Too wet? Add more stuffing. Too dry? A splash of broth will help fix that.
- → Are these gluten-free?
If using regular stuffing, they’re not. But you can make them GF! Use gluten-free stuffing or breadcrumbs, and check if your gravy is GF if you’re dipping. Adding mashed potatoes instead of bread crumbs works, too. They might turn out softer but still taste fantastic!
- → Do they freeze okay?
Absolutely! Roll them, freeze on a sheet till hard, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last about 3 months. Don’t thaw—cook straight from frozen and add a few extra minutes. Great for quick snacks or unexpected guests. Just add cooking details when labeling the bag!
Conclusion
Like getting creative with leftovers? Try turkey casserole sprinkled with cheese or shepherd's pie layered with potatoes on top. Both are easy and delicious ways to repurpose holiday dishes!