Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
why make this recipe
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to use up leftover stuffing and turkey after your holiday feast. They turn your scraps into a delicious snack or appetizer that everyone will love. These crispy, golden treats bring back the flavors of Thanksgiving in a fun and easy-to-eat form. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for sharing!
how to make Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the stuffing balls until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm and enjoy your festive snack!
how to serve Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are best served warm as a tasty snack or appetizer. You can place them on a platter with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. They make a perfect finger food for parties and gatherings, and your guests will love the crispy outside and soft inside.
how to store Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking tray and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
tips to make Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
- Use the stuffing that you enjoyed most for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique taste.
- If you want extra crunch, try adding crushed nuts to the breadcrumb coating.
- Make smaller or larger balls based on your preference—just adjust the cooking time if needed.
variation
You can add vegetables like diced onions, celery, or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and texture. Also, try adding herbs like thyme or sage to enhance the taste further.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. Just make sure to fry them right before serving.
What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
You can make a quick batch of stuffing with bread cubes, broth, and your favorite seasonings.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Balls
A delicious way to use up leftover Thanksgiving stuffing and turkey in crispy, golden bites.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the stuffing balls until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm and enjoy your festive snack!
Notes
Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. These can also be baked instead of fried if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving, leftovers, stuffing, snack, appetizer
