What can I do with leftover turkey stuffing and mashed potatoes?

Leftover turkey stuffing and mashed potatoes can be combined to make turkey stuffing balls, a tasty way to transform your leftovers. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes for pancakes or soup, while leftover stuffing works well in stuffing waffles or wrapped in bacon for added flavor.

Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls, and how should I store them?

Yes, turkey stuffing balls freeze well. For best results, form the balls first and freeze them without gravy. Keep the gravy separate and freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the balls by rolling them in panko crumbs and cooking until crispy.

Is it better to fry or bake turkey stuffing balls?

Both methods work, but frying or air frying the balls coated in seasoned panko produces a crispy exterior. Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes is a good option if you prefer less oil. The cooking time may vary depending on whether the balls are made from warm or cold ingredients.

Can I add extra ingredients like sweet potatoes or dried cranberries to turkey stuffing balls?

Yes, adding leftover sweet potatoes will change the flavor and add moisture, while dried cranberries introduce a sweet contrast. You can mix cranberries directly into the balls or serve them alongside a cranberry sauce for a festive touch.

Do mashed potatoes and stuffing need to be warm before making stuffing balls?

Warming mashed potatoes and stuffing before forming the balls helps make the mixture easier to handle and shape. If the mixture feels dry, a small amount of broth or water can be added to reach the right consistency for forming balls.

Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe For Easy Holiday Snacks

Ingredients

– 3 cups mashed potatoes

– 3 cups stuffing

– 1½ cups shredded turkey

– Gravy for serving

– Black pepper to taste

– Panko for coating

– Butter or oil for frying

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Instructions

1-Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a baking sheet a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Warming the mashed potatoes and stuffing first makes mixing easier and helps everything hold together nicely.

2-In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of mashed potatoes, 3 cups of stuffing, and 1½ cups of shredded turkey, then add black pepper if you like a bit of spice. Press the mixture firmly into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes to give them a firm exterior.

3-For a crispy option, you can roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs and fry them in butter or oil until they’re golden brown. If the mix feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for a bit or tweak the ratio of potatoes to stuffing to make shaping simpler.

4-First, preheat your oven and prep your ingredients as mentioned. Next, mix everything in a bowl and season to taste. Then, form the balls and place them on the sheet for baking.

5-Don’t forget, if you’re going for that fried version, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning. Serve the balls hot with gravy on top for extra flavor. For variations, try adding dried cranberries or sweet potatoes to mix things up, and consider air frying as another quick method.

6-If the mixture needs more moisture, add a splash of broth or water as you go along.

Last Step:

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Notes

❄️ Freeze unbaked balls on a tray before packaging for future use.
🌰 Add dried cranberries or sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor.
🍴 Use broth or water to moisten stuffing if mixture feels dry.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking and frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball