Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Using Up Holiday Leftovers
After a big holiday meal, there’s always one question that comes up: what do we do with all these leftovers? Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy are delicious on the day they’re made, but by the second or third day, they start to feel a little repetitive. That’s exactly where these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls come in.
This recipe takes all the familiar flavors you already love — savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned stuffing, and rich gravy — and transforms them into something completely new, crispy on the outside and soft and comforting on the inside. They’re perfect as a snack, an appetizer, a light meal, or even as part of a leftovers-themed dinner spread.
These little golden bites are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying. They’re the kind of recipe that feels clever without being complicated and comforting without being boring. If you’ve ever wished your leftovers could feel exciting again, this recipe is your answer.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Balls
- They use up leftover turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes
- They’re quick and easy to prepare
- They’re crispy outside and fluffy inside
- They’re perfect for dipping in gravy or sauce
- They freeze and reheat beautifully
Ingredients
- Gravy, to taste
- 1 ½ cups chopped turkey meat
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- Panko breadcrumbs, as needed
- 3 cups stuffing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing, mashed potatoes, chopped turkey, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to hold together, gradually add panko breadcrumbs a little at a time until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape into balls.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into evenly sized balls using your hands. Aim for about golf-ball size for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake
Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the outsides are lightly golden and the balls are heated through.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with gravy poured over the top or on the side for dipping.
The Magic of Leftovers Reinvented
One of the most satisfying parts of cooking is finding creative ways to reuse what you already have. Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect example of how a little imagination can transform yesterday’s dinner into today’s highlight.
By blending together different textures — creamy mashed potatoes, tender turkey, and crumbly stuffing — you get a mixture that’s balanced, flavorful, and naturally cohesive. The breadcrumbs act as a binder and add just enough structure to hold everything together, while the baking process creates a lightly crisp exterior.
What makes these especially comforting is how familiar they feel. The flavors are exactly what you remember from the holiday table, just packaged into a new form that feels playful and fun.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Use cold leftovers — they’re easier to shape
- Don’t overmix; keep the texture light
- Adjust breadcrumbs slowly to avoid dryness
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Let them rest a minute after baking before serving
Serving Ideas
- As an appetizer with gravy or cranberry sauce
- Alongside a fresh salad for a light meal
- On a platter with other leftover-based dishes
- As a party snack with dipping sauces
Storage and Freezing
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
To freeze, arrange uncooked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark meat turkey?
Yes, dark meat works beautifully and adds extra richness.
Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
Yes, fry gently in oil over medium heat until golden.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely — form the balls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are proof that leftovers don’t have to feel boring or repetitive. With just a few minutes of mixing and shaping, you can turn holiday extras into something that feels fresh, cozy, and exciting all over again.
They’re easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable — exactly the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself looking forward to making every year after the holidays.