Got a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste, turn them into something totally new (and ridiculously good)! These Crispy Turkey Stuffing Balls are golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft and savory inside, packed with all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner in one perfect bite.
They’re the kind of thing everyone will devour before you can even set them on the table. Serve them as a fun appetizer, or pile them high and drizzle with gravy for a comfort-food snack that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms crisp without sticking.
Step 2: Combine your leftovers
In a large bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
If your leftovers are cold, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing — it’ll make combining them easier.
Step 3: Shape into balls
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about the size of a ping-pong ball). If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.
Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving just a little space between them.
Step 4: Bake until golden
Pop them into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and warmed through
For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the tops with melted butter before baking, it gives them that irresistible golden crunch.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve warm with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a little ranch if you’re feeling adventurous. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or fun side dish for your post-holiday feast
Notes & Tips
- Herb it up: Add a pinch of sage, thyme, or rosemary to the mix for that extra Thanksgiving flavor.
- No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano or even cheddar will work fine, use what you’ve got!
- Make ahead: Roll the balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Just add a few extra minutes of bake time if they’re chilled.
- Crispy upgrade: Brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking for more color and crunch.
- Fun variations: Add chopped dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness or crushed pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll get beautifully crispy and golden without any added oil.
2. What if my mixture is too soft to roll?
Just add a bit more breadcrumbs or stuffing until the texture firms up enough to shape. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes also helps.
3. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze them before baking on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
4. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Of course! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly same flavor, different bird.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce?
Gravy and cranberry sauce are the classics, but ranch or even a creamy Dijon dip can be surprisingly good!
