Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Golden

If your fridge is overflowing with Thanksgiving leftovers, this recipe is your answer. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls transform classic holiday flavors into bite-sized, crispy, and cheesy treats that everyone will love. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick lunch, these stuffing balls are a clever way to reduce waste while creating something utterly irresistible. With a crunchy golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, they make the most of your turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes in one convenient package.

I first made these after a particularly big Thanksgiving dinner, wanting something new to serve the leftover turkey and stuffing. The first batch came out golden, crisp, and cheesy, and my family couldn’t stop popping them into their mouths. Even picky eaters, who normally avoid leftovers, were asking for seconds. From that day on, these stuffing balls became my go-to recipe whenever I had leftover turkey.

Preparing Your Leftovers

Gathering Ingredients

To make these stuffing balls, you’ll need mashed potatoes, leftover stuffing, and shredded cooked turkey as the base. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, ¼ cup of bread crumbs, and seasonings (¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper) to bind and flavor the mixture. Using fresh, high-quality leftovers ensures the stuffing balls are flavorful and hold together well when baking.

Mixing and Shaping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into uniform balls, about 1½ inches in diameter. Roll the balls lightly in bread crumbs for a crisp outer layer. Uniform size ensures even baking and perfect golden crusts.

Baking for Perfection

Preparing the Oven or Air Fryer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the stuffing balls on the sheet, leaving space between each ball to ensure even cooking. For an even crispier finish, you can also use an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. The exterior should turn golden brown while the interior stays soft and creamy.

Baking Technique

Bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven, turning halfway if necessary to achieve a uniform golden crust. Keep an eye on the balls during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The result is a crispy, cheesy bite that’s packed with all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving.

Serving Ideas and Customization

Presentation and Pairing

Serve your Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy, or a simple aioli for dipping. They work perfectly as finger foods at parties, a fun side dish, or even as part of a brunch spread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and a touch of freshness.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients. Adding cooked vegetables such as peas or carrots, or incorporating shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, enhances flavor and richness. You can also spice them up with a dash of paprika, garlic powder, or chopped fresh herbs for a slightly different twist on the classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this may soften the crispy exterior. These stuffing balls also freeze well—freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

FAQ

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, form the balls and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works well for extra flavor.

3. Are these suitable for an air fryer?
Yes, air frying produces an even crispier crust in less time.

4. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, omit the turkey and use extra stuffing and mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

5. How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and use a binding egg. Chilling the balls briefly before baking also helps them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a genius way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into crispy, cheesy, bite-sized delights. With minimal effort, you can create a snack or side dish that’s flavorful, versatile, and irresistible. Perfect for parties, family meals, or cozy post-holiday treats, these stuffing balls prove that leftovers don’t have to be boring—they can be delicious, fun, and loved by everyone.