Meta Title: Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe | Easy Holiday Appetizer

Meta Description: Turn leftover turkey and stuffing into crispy, golden Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls. An easy holiday appetizer or snack that’s perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.

URL Slug: leftover-turkey-stuffing-balls

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Best Way to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

After Thanksgiving dinner, the refrigerator is often packed with leftovers. Instead of reheating the same plate for several days, turn those leftovers into something completely different with these delicious Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls.

These crispy little bites combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, melted cheese, and flavorful herbs into golden balls that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or an easy lunch. The outside becomes beautifully crisp while the inside stays soft, moist, and packed with holiday flavor.

They are especially useful when you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing that you don’t want to waste. With just a few additional ingredients, you can transform yesterday’s dinner into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels like a brand-new recipe.

Serve them with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers
• Crispy outside and tender inside
• Easy to prepare
• Great party appetizer
• Kid-friendly
• Freezer-friendly
• Excellent way to reduce food waste
• Can be baked or air-fried

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, finely chopped
• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs, if needed
• Cooking spray or olive oil

For Serving

• Cranberry sauce
• Turkey gravy
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Garlic aioli

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Finely chop or shred your leftover turkey.

Both white and dark meat work well. Dark meat tends to create slightly more moist and flavorful stuffing balls, while breast meat provides a leaner option.

Place the turkey in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the leftover stuffing, egg, shredded cheese, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed.

If the mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time.

If it feels too dry, add a small spoonful of gravy or broth.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls approximately 1½ inches wide.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Try to keep the balls similar in size so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly spray the stuffing balls with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil.

Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.

They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the balls to cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cranberry sauce provides a sweet contrast to the savory turkey and stuffing, while warm turkey gravy makes them extra comforting.

Air Fryer Turkey Stuffing Balls

For an even crispier exterior, use an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer, leaving space between them.

Lightly spray with cooking oil.

Air fry for approximately 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cook until golden and crisp.

Cooking times vary depending on the size of the balls and your air fryer.

Tips for the Best Turkey Stuffing Balls

Don’t make them too large

Smaller balls cook more evenly and develop a crispier exterior.

Adjust the texture

The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not wet.

Add breadcrumbs if necessary.

Don’t overcrowd the pan

Leave enough space between each ball so hot air can circulate.

Use leftover gravy

A small amount of turkey gravy can add moisture and extra flavor to a dry stuffing mixture.

Chill before baking

If the mixture is difficult to shape, refrigerate it for about 20–30 minutes before forming the balls.

Delicious Variations

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Add a small amount of dried cranberries to the mixture for a sweet and savory flavor.

Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls

Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar in the center of each ball before shaping.

The cheese will melt into a delicious surprise.

Spicy Turkey Stuffing Balls

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or finely chopped jalapeño.

Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

Add small amounts of leftover mashed potatoes, carrots, or corn to the mixture.

Parmesan Herb Stuffing Balls

Increase the Parmesan and add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage.

What to Serve with Turkey Stuffing Balls

These crispy bites are perfect with:

• Cranberry sauce
• Turkey gravy
• Mashed potatoes
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted vegetables
• Thanksgiving salad

They also make an excellent appetizer for:

• Thanksgiving parties
• Christmas gatherings
• Holiday buffets
• Game-day parties
• Family gatherings
• Potluck dinners

Can You Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?

Yes.

Prepare and shape the stuffing balls up to 24 hours ahead.

Place them in a covered container and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

You can also freeze uncooked stuffing balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Cook from frozen, adding several extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage Instructions

Store cooked turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.

Avoid reheating them repeatedly.

For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Estimated Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition information varies depending on the stuffing, turkey, cheese, and other ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh stuffing instead of leftover stuffing?

Yes. Prepared stuffing can be used, although this recipe is particularly useful for Thanksgiving leftovers.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken works as a simple substitute.

Can I make these without cheese?

Yes. The cheese adds richness but isn’t essential. You can replace it with additional breadcrumbs if necessary.

Can I fry turkey stuffing balls?

Yes. Shallow frying can produce an especially crispy exterior, but baking or air frying is easier and requires less oil.

How do I keep stuffing balls from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture contains enough moisture and a binding ingredient such as egg. Chilling the mixture before shaping can also help.

Final Thoughts

These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a completely new meal. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory turkey and stuffing, they are perfect for appetizers, snacks, lunch, or a post-holiday family dinner.

Serve them with cranberry sauce or warm turkey gravy, and you’ll have a simple leftover recipe that may become one of the most anticipated parts of your holiday meal.