If you love the cozy feeling of classic stuffing but want a fun, bite-sized twist, then this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine savory ground turkey mingled with all the traditional stuffing flavors, rolled into perfect little spheres, baked until golden, and bursting with juicy, herb-infused goodness. These Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only incredibly delicious but also super convenient, making them the perfect appetizer, side, or even main star of your meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving a comforting snack, this recipe delivers every time with warm, welcoming flavors that feel like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering a delightful combination of texture, flavor, and aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the stuffing balls moist and light.
- 3 cups stuffing mix: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety to provide that classic savory texture and absorb all the delicious juices.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to every bite.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Brings a mild crunch and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the mixture with fragrant warmth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the balls tender and enhances overall moisture.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color.
- 1 tsp dried sage: Brings that unmistakable earthy, slightly peppery warmth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle hint of minty herbiness that’s essential in stuffing.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Balances the flavors with a gentle kick.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: For brushing, ensuring a golden, crispy, irresistible crust.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small prep step ensures your Turkey Stuffing Balls will bake evenly and come off the tray in perfect shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the ground turkey, stuffing mix, chopped onion and celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Now comes the fun part—mix everything together until the ingredients are fully combined. You want a uniform blend so every bite carries those harmonious flavors. This hands-on step is where the magic starts to take shape.
Step 3: Form the Stuffing Balls
Use your hands to roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, roughly 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Forming them by hand gives you control over size and helps pack the mixture just right, so the balls hold together during baking. Place each ball with a bit of space around it on your prepared baking sheet, so they cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust all around.
Step 4: Brush with Butter
Brush the tops of your stuffing balls with melted butter. This little finishing touch is a game-changer, adding a rich flavor and helping the edges crisp up beautifully while baking. It’s the difference between good and absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the stuffing balls are cooked through and boast a golden brown top. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible and sets the stage for a delicious meal or snack.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle your Turkey Stuffing Balls with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor that brightens each bite. For added texture and a touch of indulgence, consider a light drizzle of cranberry sauce, which brings a sweet-and-tart contrast that perfectly complements the savory balls.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside classic comfort food favorites. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a vibrant autumn salad. The Turkey Stuffing Balls add a hearty element without overpowering your meal, making them ideal companions to a variety of nourishing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests or add a playful twist, try serving the stuffing balls on skewers with fresh herbs or alongside a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or honey mustard. They also make great party appetizers when paired with toothpicks and set on a festive platter. Playing with presentation invites conversation and adds an extra layer of fun to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which sometimes doesn’t happen), store the Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack or addition to your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked stuffing balls for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly tender results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cooked Turkey Stuffing Balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crisp exterior without making them soggy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden crust intact and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for fresh, hot results.
What if I don’t have dried sage or thyme?
No worries! Fresh herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or even Italian seasoning can be great substitutes. Adjust quantities to taste since dried herbs often have a stronger flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken, pork, or beef can all be used in place of turkey. Each will bring its own flavor and fat content, so cooking time and texture might vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the recipe safely.
How do I make homemade stuffing mix for this recipe?
Simply cube and toast your favorite bread until dry and crispy, then toss with dried herbs and a bit of salt. This allows you full control over flavors and texture for your stuffing balls.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a dish that feels like home, and this Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe captures that warmth perfectly. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, these flavorful, satisfying bites never disappoint. So roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients come together to create something so wonderfully delicious.
Print
Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and convenient twist on traditional stuffing, combining ground turkey with classic herbs and a savory stuffing mix. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized delights make a perfect appetizer or side dish for your holiday table or any comforting meal.
Ingredients
Turkey Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Finishing
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, chopped fresh parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a uniform mixture.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place each ball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush the tops of each stuffing ball with melted butter. This will help achieve a golden-brown, flavorful crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a crispy, golden brown top. Check for internal temperature to ensure turkey is fully cooked (165°F/74°C recommended).
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar result.
- For extra moisture, consider adding an additional 1/4 cup chicken broth if the mixture feels too dry.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for added flavor.
