If you love the classic flavors of Thanksgiving but want something a little more fun and bite-sized, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect twist. Juicy ground turkey, savory stuffing mix, and aromatic herbs come together to create flavorful, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites that taste just like the holidays. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a grab-and-go meal for leftover turkey cravings.
I first made these after Thanksgiving using leftover turkey and stuffing, and they were such a hit that now I make them all year long. Once, I added a bit of shredded cheddar and cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory surprise—it was amazing. These little bites are warm, comforting, and full of holiday nostalgia in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are easy, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavor. They combine the best parts of a traditional turkey dinner—savory meat, herby stuffing, and buttery richness—into one simple, handheld bite. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or just on their own, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday spread or meal prep rotation.
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Turkey Stuffing Balls: Savory, Crispy, and Perfect for the Holidays
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12–14 stuffing balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Savory, golden-brown turkey stuffing balls made with tender ground turkey, herbs, and classic stuffing mix — a delicious and easy twist on Thanksgiving flavors perfect for meals or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (6-ounce) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cranberry sauce or turkey gravy, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine stuffing mix and broth. Let sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the stuffing softens.
- Add ground turkey, egg, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is combined — do not overmix.
- Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form 12–14 balls (about 1 ½ inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve warm with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté diced onions and celery before mixing them into the stuffing.
- These can be made ahead — refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready to serve.
- Freeze baked stuffing balls for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Perfect as a Thanksgiving side, appetizer, or light meal with mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground turkey – Lean, mild, and the perfect protein to mix with flavorful stuffing.
Boxed stuffing mix (like Stove Top) – Adds texture, seasoning, and the signature holiday flavor.
Chicken broth – Keeps the stuffing mixture moist and flavorful.
Eggs – Bind the mixture together for easy shaping.
Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Enhance the savory flavor.
Dried sage or poultry seasoning – Brings out that traditional Thanksgiving aroma.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds color and freshness.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth and melted butter. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the ground turkey, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, salt, and pepper to the stuffing mixture. Mix gently until well combined.
- Form the balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball–sized portions and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–15 stuffing balls and serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 35 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in the air fryer for 5 minutes to regain crispiness. You can also freeze cooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls
Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey center.
Cranberry-Stuffed Version
Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce in the center of each ball before baking for a sweet contrast.
Loaded Thanksgiving Bites
Top with mashed potatoes and drizzle with gravy for a full holiday experience.
Spicy Herb Version
Add red pepper flakes and fresh rosemary for a flavor kick.
Air Fryer Method
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
Leftover Turkey Option
Use finely chopped leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey for a great post-holiday recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover stuffing?
Yes! Just mix it with ground turkey and an egg to help it hold together.
2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the balls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
3. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely—ground chicken works just as well.
4. Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes, freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the time.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own with gluten-free bread cubes.
6. How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown and reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
7. Can I fry them instead of baking?
You can pan-fry them in a bit of butter or oil for a crispier exterior.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—finely chopped celery, carrots, or onions add flavor and moisture.
9. What’s the best dip or sauce?
Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or honey mustard all work beautifully.
10. Can I make them bite-sized for appetizers?
Yes, make them smaller and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Conclusion
Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to your table any time of year. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, they’re a fun twist on classic comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a grab-and-go snack, these flavorful bites will quickly become a family favorite for holidays—or any cozy night in.
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