Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls

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🦃 Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls

Introduction

Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls are a heartwarming twist on the classic holiday meal. Tender ground turkey is blended with savory stuffing, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning, then baked or pan-seared to golden perfection.

These flavorful bites combine everything you love about Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner — juicy turkey, comforting stuffing, and herbs like sage and thyme — all rolled into one irresistible dish. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet festive enough for a holiday spread.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Turkey and stuffing are deeply rooted in North American holiday traditions, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The combination represents gratitude, abundance, and togetherness — a symbol of comfort food shared with loved ones.

Transforming these familiar flavors into stuffing balls is a more recent culinary innovation, emerging from the desire to repurpose leftovers and simplify serving. What began as a creative way to use up extra turkey and stuffing has evolved into a beloved dish on its own — versatile, easy, and perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings.

Ingredients and Quantities

For the Turkey and Stuffing Balls:

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
  • 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed mix)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking or drizzling)

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) for extra richness
  • ¼ cup cranberries or cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart twist
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for color and freshness
  • A drizzle of gravy for serving
  • Breadcrumbs for a crispier coating if desired

Tips for Success

  1. Use Moist Stuffing: Dry stuffing can make the balls crumbly. Add a splash of broth if it feels too dry.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined — overworking the mixture can make the balls dense.
  3. Uniform Size: Roll evenly sized balls (about golf-ball size) for even cooking.
  4. Test Seasoning: Cook a small sample first to check salt and herbs before baking the full batch.
  5. Keep Warm: If making for a crowd, keep cooked balls warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) until ready to serve.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the mixture:
    In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, egg, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Shape the balls:
    Roll the mixture into balls (about 1½ inches / 4 cm in diameter).
  4. Bake:
    Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil.
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Alternative: Pan-sear in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for 10 minutes.
  5. Serve:
    Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Description

Golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, these turkey and stuffing balls burst with the cozy flavors of the holidays. The herbs bring out the turkey’s natural savoriness, while the stuffing adds moisture, texture, and a nostalgic aroma.

Each bite is a comforting blend of soft, tender turkey and rich, seasoned bread — a perfect balance between hearty and wholesome.

Nutritional Information (per serving — approximately 3 balls)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg

(Values vary based on stuffing type and add-ins.)

Conclusion and Recommendation

Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to celebrate traditional flavors in a fun, fuss-free form. Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re crowd-pleasing, comforting, and full of familiar warmth.

They’re also excellent for meal prep — easy to make ahead, freeze, and reheat when needed. Serve them with gravy and veggies for dinner, or enjoy them cold in a wrap or salad the next day.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

This dish beautifully captures the idea that comfort food can still be wholesome. Using lean turkey keeps it light yet satisfying, while the stuffing adds nostalgic flavor without excess fat or sugar.

For a healthier twist, you can:

  • Use whole-grain stuffing or reduce butter in the mix.
  • Add extra vegetables (like carrots or spinach) to the mixture.
  • Bake instead of fry for a lighter finish.

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