Making balls out of leftover turkey and stuffing is a great way to repurpose those holiday leftovers! Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Turkey and Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 cup cooked, shredded turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, and egg. Mix until well combined. If you’re using Parmesan cheese and parsley, add them in as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form Balls:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a bit of chicken broth or water to help it stick together. If it’s too wet, add a bit more stuffing or breadcrumbs.
- Coat (Optional):
- If you like a crispy exterior, roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat.
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and heated through. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Serve warm. These are great with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to suit your taste. Sage, thyme, or rosemary can complement the flavors of the stuffing and turkey.
- Make Ahead: These balls can be made ahead and frozen. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy your turkey and stuffing balls! They’re perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack.