These Turkey Stuffing Balls are little bites of joy! Made from seasoned turkey, bread crumbs, and herbs, they’re perfect for a cozy meal or a holiday feast.
Who can resist popping these tasty balls in your mouth? They’re great as a side or a tasty snack. I love making a big batch and enjoying them all week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, ground chicken works well too. You could even use a plant-based alternative if you’re vegetarian.
Breadcrumbs: Stale bread cubes are perfect, but if you don’t have any, use store-bought dried breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchier texture. Just toast them lightly if they’re fresh!
Celery and Onion: These add great flavor. You can swap celery for bell peppers or carrots if you prefer or don’t have celery on hand. Use shallots instead of onions for a milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal, but if you have dried herbs, use those instead. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is a good choice for taste without too much salt. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Balls Hold Together?
The key to making sure your turkey stuffing balls hold together is moisture. Be careful not to overmix, which can make them dense. When combining ingredients, go gently. If your mix feels too dry, gradually add more chicken broth until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency that holds when formed into balls.
- Start with all dry ingredients mixed well before adding wet ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Test the mixture by squeezing a bit in your palm. If it crumbles, it needs more moisture!
- Form the balls tightly but don’t compress them too much; they should be firm yet airy.
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups bread cubes (stale or toasted)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or additional melted butter for greasing pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and another 25-30 minutes for baking, totaling around 45-50 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and celery until they become soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it’s fragrant. Then, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the bread cubes, sautéed vegetable mixture, ground turkey, chopped parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, melted butter, and chicken broth. This is going to add moisture and help bind your mixture together.
5. Combine It All:
Pour the wet mixture over the turkey and bread combination. Gently mix everything together until fully combined. If the mix feels dry and not sticking together, add a splash more of chicken broth until it holds together nicely.
6. Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space in between each one so they can brown evenly.
7. Bake:
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you want, garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a lovely presentation.
9. Enjoy:
These Turkey Stuffing Balls make a delightful side dish or a scrumptious appetizer! They’re flavorful and comforting, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked turkey works great. Just shred or chop it into small pieces and replace the ground turkey in the recipe. This is a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers!
How Can I Make These Stuffing Balls Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the broth, are gluten-free as well!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the turkey stuffing balls and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
