Introduction:
Turkey stuffing balls are a savory and delightful twist on traditional stuffing.
These little morsels are perfect for a Thanksgiving feast, holiday meal, or as a comforting side dish. Packed with turkey, herbs, and the classic stuffing flavor, they make for a fun and easy-to-eat alternative to regular stuffing.
Whether served on their own or alongside your main course, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old or slightly toasted)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup butter (or olive oil)
1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg (for binding)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, ground turkey, chicken broth, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Bind the Mixture: Add the egg to the mixture and stir to combine. The egg helps bind the stuffing balls together.
Form the Stuffing Balls: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Place the stuffing balls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Description:
Turkey stuffing balls are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the flavors of turkey, herbs, and savory stuffing into easy-to-make, bite-sized portions. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they can also be served as appetizers or side dishes. These golden brown, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside balls offer the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing without the need for a large casserole.
Tips:
Moisture: If the stuffing mixture feels too dry, add more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Crispier Balls: For a crispier exterior, brush the balls with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before baking.
Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time. Form the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftover Turkey: This is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Simply substitute the ground turkey with shredded leftover turkey for a festive twist.
Variations:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or more sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Stuffing Balls: Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the mixture for extra gooey flavor.
Cranberry Stuffing Balls: Mix in some dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory stuffing.
Corrections:
Dry Stuffing Mixture: If your stuffing balls are too dry and crumble, add a little more broth or an extra egg to help bind the mixture.
Overcooked Stuffing Balls: If you bake the stuffing balls for too long, they can become too dry. Keep an eye on them and check for a golden brown color around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve made your turkey stuffing balls, it’s time to enjoy! These are perfect on their own, or you can pair them with gravy or cranberry sauce for extra flavor. Whether as a side dish, appetizer, or main course, these savory bites are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!