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When I discovered these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls they changed my post-holiday cooking forever. Taking those beloved Thanksgiving flavors and transforming them into crispy golden bites brings new life to leftovers. Now my family looks forward to these treats almost as much as the holiday meal itself.
No More Boring Leftovers
These little bites have become my favorite way to reinvent holiday extras. They're perfect for casual gatherings or easy family dinners bringing all those cherished Thanksgiving flavors together in one delicious bite. I love how versatile they are whether baked or fried they always turn out wonderfully.
What You'll Need
- Leftover Turkey: I shred mine while it's still warm it blends better that way.
- Stuffing: A splash of broth brings back that perfect moisture.
- Mashed Potatoes: I warm them slightly with extra butter for richness.
- Panko: Creates that irresistible golden crust.
- Gravy: Warmed and ready to pour over everything.
- Butter or Oil: For that perfect crispy exterior.
Making Magic with Leftovers
- Mix with Love
- I combine equal parts of my warm potatoes and stuffing then fold in that tender turkey adding just enough pepper.
- Shape Your Bites
- Using slightly warm ingredients makes rolling these into perfect balls so much easier.
- Choose Your Method
- Sometimes I bake them for a lighter touch other times I can't resist that golden fried crust.
- Time to Serve
- Hot gravy and a dollop of cranberry sauce make these absolutely perfect.
My Kitchen Secrets
I've learned that room temperature ingredients are key to getting these just right. Sometimes I'll warm everything slightly adding a touch of butter or broth until the texture feels perfect. That panko coating is non-negotiable in my kitchen it creates the most wonderful crunch.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I use smoked turkey for extra flavor or try different gravies. Adding cheese to the mixture creates wonderful surprise pockets of melty goodness. When I'm feeling creative I'll use crushed crackers instead of panko. There's really no wrong way to make these.
Beyond the Basics
These inspired me to get creative with all my leftovers. Now I make stuffing waffles topped with eggs for breakfast or wrap extra stuffing in bacon for amazing appetizers. Those mashed potatoes transform into the most incredible loaded skillets.
Pure Comfort Food
What I love most about these balls is how they bring everyone back to that holiday table feeling. They're so easy to make yet feel special enough for any gathering. Whether baked or fried they never fail to make people smile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need exact measurements?
- No, just use equal parts mashed potatoes and stuffing, with half that amount of shredded turkey. The recipe is very flexible.
- → Can I fry these instead of baking?
- Yes, coat them in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fry in a mixture of butter and grapeseed oil, similar to cooking crab cakes.
- → Why warm the ingredients first?
- Warm ingredients are easier to handle and form into balls. They should be at least room temperature for best results.
- → Can I make them crispier?
- For extra crispiness, coat the balls in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before cooking. You can either bake or fry them after breading.
- → What if the mixture is too soft?
- If the mixture is very soft, chill the formed balls briefly before cooking, especially if planning to fry them.