Turkey Stuffing Balls are the delightful, bite-sized wonders that everyone craves during the holiday season. Picture this: a golden-brown exterior giving way to a savory filling bursting with herbs and spices. flavorful corn salad The aroma wafts through your home, enticing guests before they even step foot in the door. You can almost hear them saying, “What’s that heavenly smell?”
As I recall my first attempt at making Turkey Stuffing Balls, I was a nervous wreck. Would they turn out? Would the family love them? Spoiler alert: they did! The laughter, compliments, and second helpings during Thanksgiving dinner still echo in my heart. perfect holiday ham glaze These little gems are perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a fun appetizer at holiday parties, promising to elevate any occasion with their incredible flavor. pumpkin dinner rolls recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy cooks
- Their rich flavors will impress your family and friends alike
- With their eye-catching presentation, they will steal the show on your dining table
- Versatile enough to serve as appetizers or a side dish, these balls fit any meal perfectly
My sister’s eyes lit up when she took her first bite of these Turkey Stuffing Balls; it was pure joy! Asian turkey lettuce wraps.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey adds moisture and flavor while keeping it healthier than traditional sausage stuffing.
- Bread Crumbs: Use dried bread crumbs for texture; they absorb flavors beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Onion: Finely chop one medium onion; it brings depth and sweetness when sautéed just right.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the turkey.
- Sage: This herb is a must-have; its earthy flavor transports you straight to Thanksgiving dinner.
- Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme enhances the overall flavor profile and complements sage wonderfully.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for moisture without overwhelming saltiness.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, ensuring that your stuffing balls hold together beautifully.
- Pepper and Salt: Season generously to bring all the flavors together; taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Your Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant—around 5 minutes.
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, herbs, eggs, broth, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined but don’t overwork it!
Form Those Balls!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop out portions of the mixture with your hands and shape them into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter works best.
Bake to Perfection!: Place your formed turkey stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For more inspiration, check out this Beef Macaroni Soup recipe.
Serve & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
These Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only delicious but also easy enough for anyone to replicate at home. You’ll be the star of every gathering!
You Must Know
- Turkey stuffing balls are the perfect blend of flavors and textures
- They can be the star of your holiday feast or a delightful weeknight treat
- Plus, they freeze wonderfully, making meal prep a breeze for busy days
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping ingredients before cooking; sauté onions and celery first for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add ingredients like cranberries or nuts for unique twists.
Storing & Reheating
Store turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheat at 350°F.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make turkey stuffing balls truly memorable, consider using day-old bread for better texture
- Season generously with herbs to enhance flavor
- Don’t skip resting time; it helps the flavors meld beautifully
There was one Thanksgiving when my cousin’s kids devoured these turkey stuffing balls faster than I could serve them! Their giggles echoed through the house while I filled their plates again and again.
FAQ
How do I prevent turkey stuffing balls from falling apart?
Use enough binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs to ensure they hold together well.
Can I make turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
What can I serve with turkey stuffing balls?
Pair them with cranberry sauce or gravy for a delicious combination that enhances flavor.
Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful holiday favorite that combines savory ground turkey with a blend of herbs and spices. These bite-sized delights boast a golden-brown exterior and a flavor-packed interior, making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any festive gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they promise to be the star of your holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, herbs, eggs, broth, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped cranberries or walnuts into the mixture. You can also freeze uncooked stuffing balls for quick meal prep on busy days.