After a big holiday feast, what do you do with all the leftovers? If you're tired of the same old reheated plates, it's time to get creative. These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are an easy, tasty, and fun way to reinvent your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers into something entirely new — and delicious.
Crispy on the outside, tender and savory on the inside, they’re perfect for snack platters, lunchboxes, or even as an appetizer for guests.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Zero waste: A smart way to use up leftovers
- ✅ Versatile: Works with different types of stuffing and turkey
- ✅ Crowd-pleaser: Great for kids and adults alike
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and reheat when needed
- ✅ Crispy, cheesy, savory bites of comfort
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Leftover stuffing | 3 cups |
| Leftover cooked turkey (shredded/chopped) | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 1–2 (depending on moisture) |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) | 1 cup |
| Cooking oil or spray | For frying or baking |
🥣 Optional Add-Ins
You can customize these with extras like:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Cranberry sauce (a teaspoon in the center for a sweet surprise)
- Shredded cheese for extra gooeyness
- Leftover mashed potatoes (add up to ½ cup to the mixture)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 3 cups of leftover stuffing
- 2 cups chopped or shredded turkey
- 1 egg to start (add a second if mixture feels dry)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until the ingredients come together into a firm, sticky dough. If it's too loose, add a bit more stuffing or breadcrumbs. If too dry, add another egg or a spoonful of broth.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a scoop:
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.
- You should get about 12–16 balls, depending on size.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This adds crunch and helps them crisp up beautifully when cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Balls
Option 1: Bake (Healthier)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Place the balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Spray or brush lightly with oil
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy
Option 2: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly spray the balls with oil
- Cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway
Option 3: Pan-Fry
- Heat a shallow layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat
- Fry the balls for 3–4 minutes per side, turning until golden and crisp
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Serve your turkey stuffing balls with:
- Gravy for dipping
- Cranberry sauce
- Garlic aioli or ranch dressing
- A side salad for a light lunch
They also make a great snack platter addition for parties or game days.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked balls for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Bake or air-fry from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through
📝 Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are more than just a creative reuse of holiday food — they’re a new family favorite waiting to happen. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally delicious, this is the kind of comfort food that makes leftovers something to look forward to.
Don't toss that stuffing — roll it, crisp it, and enjoy it all over again.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine leftover stuffing, chopped or shredded turkey, 1 egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until ingredients form a firm, sticky dough. Adjust consistency by adding more stuffing or breadcrumbs if too loose, or another egg if too dry.
- Using your hands or a scoop, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. You should get about 12–16 balls, depending on size.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Choose your cooking method:
- Option 1: Bake - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place balls on a greased baking sheet, spray or brush with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Option 2: Air Fry - Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly spray balls with oil, and cook in batches for 10–12 minutes.
- Option 3: Pan-Fry - Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the balls for 3–4 minutes per side.
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