Turkey stuffing balls are a fun twist on your classic stuffing! Made with ground turkey, herbs, and tasty bread, these little bites pack a punch of flavor!
They’re perfect as a side dish or a snack. I love how easy they are to pop in the oven while the main meal is cooking. Just keep an eye on them, because they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground turkey for a healthier option. If you need a substitute, ground chicken or pork also works well.
Cubed Bread: Stale bread is best for soaking up flavors. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread. A combination of breads, like sourdough and whole wheat, adds extra taste!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage and thyme enhance the stuffing’s flavor. If you’re out of fresh ones, dried herbs are a solid substitute—just remember to use less since they’re more potent!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth keeps the dish flavorful without too much salt. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Stuffing Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key to making turkey stuffing balls that hold their shape! The combination of eggs and broth helps bind the ingredients together and keep them moist.
- Make sure your bread is stale; it should be firm. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a bit or toast it lightly.
- When mixing, avoid overworking the turkey and bread. Just combine until everything is moistened.
- Form the balls gently, but make them compact enough so they don’t fall apart during baking.
These tips will help you create deliciously sturdy turkey stuffing balls that are perfect for serving!
Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (preferably white or rustic bread)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (for sautéing)
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. In less than an hour, you’ll have delicious turkey stuffing balls ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffing balls bake evenly. While the oven heats up, lightly grease or spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare the Bread Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together gently, so the spices and herbs are evenly mixed throughout the bread.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken or turkey broth and beaten eggs. Carefully pour this mixture over the bread mixture, using a spatula or spoon to stir gently. Make sure everything is moistened, but don’t overdo it—you want the mixture to hold together but not be soggy!
5. Combine with Ground Turkey:
Now it’s time to add the ground turkey. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well, ensuring that the turkey is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Form the Stuffing Balls:
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can cook evenly.
7. Bake the Stuffing Balls:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once sprinkled with a little fresh parsley for garnish, remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. These little delights are perfect as a side dish or appetizer, best enjoyed warm!
Enjoy these tasty turkey stuffing balls as a creative and scrumptious alternative to traditional stuffing! Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, they’re bound to please your friends and family!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will taste delicious in this recipe. Feel free to swap it in one-for-one, keeping the cooking instructions the same.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a seamless cooking experience on the day of your gathering!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze raw stuffing balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.