(Makes 18–24 balls, depending on size)
- 4 cups leftover stuffing/dressing (any style: herb, sausage, cornbread, etc.)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2–3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1–2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard (for tang)
- Crumbed bacon or diced turkey for extra heartiness
💡 Pro Tips:
- Stuffing should be room temp or chilled—warm stuffing won’t hold shape.
- If too dry: Add 1 tbsp broth or milk.
- If too wet: Add more breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp at a time.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Crispy, Easy, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Mixture
- In a bowl, combine leftover stuffing, egg, melted butter, and breadcrumbs.
- Fold in any optional add-ins.
- Mix gently until just cohesive—don’t overwork.
2. Shape the Balls
- Scoop 2-tbsp portions (a small cookie scoop works great).
- Roll into firm balls—they’ll soften as they bake, so pack gently but firmly.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake or Air-Fry to Crispy Perfection
** Oven Method:**
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy!):
- Spray balls lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Serve with Joy
- Let cool 2–3 minutes (they’re hot inside!).
- Serve with:
- Cranberry sauce (warm or jellied)
- Gravy for dipping
- Garlic aioli or Dijon mayo
Serving Ideas
- 🥚 Brunch star: Top with a fried egg and hot sauce
- 🥗 Salad topper: On kale or mixed greens with apple slices
- 🍽️ Appetizer: Skewer with toothpicks for easy grabbing
- 🍗 Full meal: With roasted turkey slices and roasted veggies
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Shape balls, freeze on a tray, then bag. Bake from frozen (+5 mins).
- Leftovers: Keep in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer—never microwave (soggy!).
- Unbaked balls: Freeze for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use gluten-free stuffing?
A: Absolutely! They hold together just as well.
Q: My balls fell apart—what happened?
A: Likely not enough binder. Add another egg or more breadcrumbs next time.
Q: Can I fry them?
A: Yes! Pan-fry in butter or oil for 3–4 mins per side—extra rich!
Q: What if my stuffing has big chunks?
A: Pulse briefly in a food processor or chop finely by hand for better binding.
A Second Life for Holiday Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just clever—they’re a tribute to resourcefulness and flavor. They turn “what’s left” into “what’s next,” proving that the best meals often come from creativity, not complication.
So grab that leftover stuffing, crack that egg, and roll up a little magic. Because sometimes, the best part of the holiday feast isn’t the main event—it’s the encore.
“Leftovers aren’t leftovers—they’re tomorrow’s inspiration.” 🦃🧡✨
(Makes 18–24 balls, depending on size)
- 4 cups leftover stuffing/dressing (any style: herb, sausage, cornbread, etc.)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2–3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1–2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard (for tang)
- Crumbed bacon or diced turkey for extra heartiness
💡 Pro Tips:
- Stuffing should be room temp or chilled—warm stuffing won’t hold shape.
- If too dry: Add 1 tbsp broth or milk.
- If too wet: Add more breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp at a time.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Crispy, Easy, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Mixture
- In a bowl, combine leftover stuffing, egg, melted butter, and breadcrumbs.
- Fold in any optional add-ins.
- Mix gently until just cohesive—don’t overwork.
2. Shape the Balls
- Scoop 2-tbsp portions (a small cookie scoop works great).
- Roll into firm balls—they’ll soften as they bake, so pack gently but firmly.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake or Air-Fry to Crispy Perfection
** Oven Method:**
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy!):
- Spray balls lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Serve with Joy
- Let cool 2–3 minutes (they’re hot inside!).
- Serve with:
- Cranberry sauce (warm or jellied)
- Gravy for dipping
- Garlic aioli or Dijon mayo
Serving Ideas
- 🥚 Brunch star: Top with a fried egg and hot sauce
- 🥗 Salad topper: On kale or mixed greens with apple slices
- 🍽️ Appetizer: Skewer with toothpicks for easy grabbing
- 🍗 Full meal: With roasted turkey slices and roasted veggies
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Shape balls, freeze on a tray, then bag. Bake from frozen (+5 mins).
- Leftovers: Keep in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer—never microwave (soggy!).
- Unbaked balls: Freeze for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use gluten-free stuffing?
A: Absolutely! They hold together just as well.
Q: My balls fell apart—what happened?
A: Likely not enough binder. Add another egg or more breadcrumbs next time.
Q: Can I fry them?
A: Yes! Pan-fry in butter or oil for 3–4 mins per side—extra rich!
Q: What if my stuffing has big chunks?
A: Pulse briefly in a food processor or chop finely by hand for better binding.
A Second Life for Holiday Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just clever—they’re a tribute to resourcefulness and flavor. They turn “what’s left” into “what’s next,” proving that the best meals often come from creativity, not complication.
So grab that leftover stuffing, crack that egg, and roll up a little magic. Because sometimes, the best part of the holiday feast isn’t the main event—it’s the encore.
“Leftovers aren’t leftovers—they’re tomorrow’s inspiration.” 🦃🧡✨