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Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

4.4 from 117 reviews

These Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into crispy, savory bite-sized appetizers. Made by combining crumbled stuffing, diced turkey, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings, then coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection, these balls offer a perfect crunchy exterior with a flavorful, moist interior. Ideal as a snack or party appetizer, they can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups leftover stuffing, crumbled
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 tsp poultry seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Coating

  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, 2 inches deep, for frying

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled stuffing, diced turkey, shredded mozzarella cheese, one beaten egg, chopped parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients cling together into a uniform mixture.
  2. Shape Balls: Form the mixture into approximately sixteen 1½-inch balls. Arrange them on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during frying.
  3. Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Coat the Balls: Dredge each chilled stuffing ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure full coverage for a crispy exterior.
  5. Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring about 2 inches of oil depth to allow even frying.
  6. Fry Stuffing Balls: Fry the coated balls in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 3 minutes, turning once or twice until they are golden brown and crackling around the edges.
  7. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • These Turkey Stuffing Balls can be made a day ahead; shape and refrigerate until ready to coat and fry.
  • For extra crunch and flavor, season the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika before coating.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to one month. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: fried stuffing, holiday appetizers, stuffing bites, Thanksgiving leftovers, Turkey stuffing Balls