These delicious turkey and stuffing balls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any holiday gathering or as a savory weeknight treat. Combining tender turkey with flavorful stuffing, these little bites of goodness are seasoned to perfection and easy to make. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these turkey and stuffing balls will surely be a hit with your family and friends. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, they provide the perfect balance of savory flavors and hearty texture. Serve them with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup stuffing mix (preferably dry, or you can use leftover stuffing)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp sage (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 tsp thyme (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: Cranberry sauce or gravy for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the stuffing: If using dry stuffing mix, prepare it according to the package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Allow it to cool slightly. If using leftover stuffing, ensure it’s moist enough to bind the balls together but not too wet.
- Cook the vegetables: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, sautéed vegetables, fresh parsley, sage, thyme (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the balls: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue forming balls until all the mixture is used up. You should have about 16-18 balls.
- Cook the turkey balls: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the turkey and stuffing balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Remove the turkey and stuffing balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cranberry sauce or gravy.