Description

Turn holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer with these Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they combine mashed potatoes, stuffing and shredded turkey into bite-sized morsels perfect for parties, game day or a simple family snack. Easy to make and highly adaptable, this recipe helps you reduce food waste while delivering comforting, familiar flavors in a new form. Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce or your favorite dip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes – leftover or freshly made, smooth and creamy.
• 2 cups stuffing – any variety; homemade gives the best texture and flavor.
• 1 cup shredded turkey – cooked, chopped or shredded leftover turkey.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory depth.
• 1 egg, beaten – helps bind the mixture.
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs – for structure; use gluten-free if needed.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – or to taste.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – or to taste.

Variations: swap Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add a teaspoon of dried herbs (thyme, rosemary or parsley) for extra aroma.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined; the mixture should hold together when pressed. If it seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or turkey broth.
3. Form the balls. Use your hands or a small scoop to shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each.
4. Bake. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the exterior is golden and crisp and the centers are heated through.
5. Serve warm. Transfer to a serving plate and offer gravy, cranberry sauce or a creamy dip alongside.

Notes & Tips

• Even sizing: A cookie scoop makes evenly sized balls that cook uniformly.
• Air fryer option: For a quicker crisp, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once.
• Extra crunch: For a thicker crust, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs before baking.
• Texture adjustments: Add broth or milk if the mix is dry; add more crumbs if too wet. Fresh mashed potatoes yield the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with turkey or mushroom gravy for a rich dip.
• Cranberry sauce adds a bright, sweet contrast.
• Pair with roasted or mashed vegetables for a complete plate.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Vitamin A: 2%
• Vitamin C: 5%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 4%

Baking instead of frying keeps these bites lower in saturated fat, while the turkey and cheese supply a satisfying amount of protein.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze cooked balls for up to 2 months: freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them ahead? Yes — shape the balls the day before and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely — shredded cooked chicken works very well in this recipe.

How do I prevent them from falling apart? Make sure the mixture is well combined and not overly wet. The beaten egg and breadcrumbs help bind the balls; adjust the ratio as needed.

Related Recipes

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Bread — Fresh & Delicious Recipe
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Beef Pie with Brisket Leftovers

Conclusion

These Holiday Turkey Stuffing Balls are an easy, tasty way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a new family favorite. They bake up crisp, travel well for gatherings, and are highly adaptable to dietary preferences. Try different herbs, cheeses or dipping sauces to make the recipe your own — and enjoy every golden bite.