Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls (Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe)

Wondering what to do with all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? These leftover turkey stuffing balls are the perfect way to turn yesterday’s holiday dinner into a delicious new meal. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and packed with all those comforting Thanksgiving flavors.

Made with shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes, these little bites are incredibly easy to prepare. Add a crunchy breadcrumb coating, bake until golden, and serve with warm gravy for dipping. It’s like having your entire Thanksgiving dinner in one tasty bite!

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy family dinner, or a fun snack for the kids, this recipe makes the most of your holiday leftovers without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

There’s something wonderful about giving holiday leftovers a second life, especially when the results taste this good.

• Perfect for leftovers: Uses turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes you already have in the refrigerator.
• Quick and easy: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup make this recipe great for busy days.
• Budget-friendly: Turns leftover food into another satisfying meal.
• Crispy and delicious: Panko breadcrumbs add a lovely crunch to the soft, savory filling.
• Family-friendly: These bite-sized balls are fun to eat and easy to serve.

Plus, they’re a great alternative to the usual leftover turkey sandwiches!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious Thanksgiving stuffing balls.

• 1½ cups shredded leftover turkey: Use cooked white meat, dark meat, or a combination of both.
• 3 cups leftover stuffing: Homemade or store-bought stuffing works beautifully. A well-seasoned stuffing adds plenty of flavor.
• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes: Help hold everything together while creating a soft, creamy texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs, as needed: Create a light, crispy coating. About 1 cup is a good starting point.
• Gravy, for serving: Warm turkey gravy adds moisture and makes these little bites even more delicious.
• Black pepper, to taste (optional): Adds a little extra seasoning.

Tip: If your mashed potatoes are particularly creamy or your stuffing is very moist, you may need a little extra breadcrumbs to help the mixture hold its shape.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Yield: Approximately 24–30 balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

Add black pepper if desired, then gently mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

The mixture should be thick enough to hold together when shaped. If it feels too soft, stir in a small amount of breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form golf ball-sized balls.

Press each ball firmly enough to hold its shape without packing it too tightly.

Try to keep them similar in size so they heat evenly.

Step 4: Add the Breadcrumb Coating

Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl.

Roll each stuffing ball in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing to help the coating stick.

Arrange the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are lightly golden.

Because you’re using refrigerated leftovers, the centers may need additional time to heat completely. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

For a crispier finish, lightly spray the balls with cooking oil before baking.

Step 6: Serve With Warm Gravy

Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two.

Transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle warm gravy over the top, or serve the gravy in a small bowl for dipping.

Enjoy them while they’re hot and crispy!

Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making these stuffing balls is simple, but a few helpful tricks will give you the best results.

Use cold leftovers. Chilled mashed potatoes and stuffing are firmer, making the mixture easier to shape.

Shred the turkey finely. Large pieces of turkey can make the balls harder to form. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the mixture.

Adjust the consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, mix in a small spoonful of gravy.

Don’t make them too large. Golf ball-sized portions cook more evenly and are easier to serve.

Use panko for extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko creates a lighter, crispier coating.

And don’t forget to taste the mixture before adding extra seasoning. Leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes may already contain plenty of salt and herbs.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it using whatever you have left from your holiday meal.

• Cheesy turkey stuffing balls: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a delicious, melty center.
• Cranberry stuffing balls: Mix in 2 tablespoons of thick cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory holiday twist.
• Herb-seasoned stuffing balls: Add a pinch of dried sage, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Spicy turkey stuffing balls: Stir in a little cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
• Chicken stuffing balls: Replace the turkey with leftover shredded chicken for an easy year-round version.

You can also experiment with different types of stuffing, including cornbread stuffing or sausage stuffing.

What to Serve With Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

These savory little bites are delicious with gravy, but they also pair well with plenty of other dishes.

For a complete meal, serve them alongside roasted vegetables, green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple garden salad.

If you’re still enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, add cranberry sauce and a warm dinner roll for a classic holiday-inspired plate.

They’re also wonderful as party appetizers. Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.

For a casual family dinner, serve them with a fresh side salad to balance their rich, comforting flavor.

Can You Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This recipe is especially convenient when you want to prepare a quick meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

Mix the ingredients and shape the balls ahead of time, then arrange them on a baking sheet or in an airtight container.

Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake, making sure to stay within the safe storage period of your original leftovers.

When it’s time to cook, coat them with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and heated to 165°F.

Remember that prepared leftovers shouldn’t be kept longer simply because you’ve turned them into a new recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Proper storage helps keep these turkey stuffing balls fresh and delicious.

Refrigerator: Place the cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Use them within 3–4 days of when the original turkey and sides were first cooked.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. For the best quality, use them within 2 months.

Reheating: Place the stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the centers reach 165°F. Frozen stuffing balls will need additional heating time.

An air fryer also works well for restoring their crispy exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey stuffing balls without mashed potatoes?

Yes! You can use extra stuffing and add a beaten egg to help bind the mixture. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious. Cook until the centers reach 165°F.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken works just as well, making this a great recipe even when it isn’t Thanksgiving.

Why are my stuffing balls falling apart?

The mixture may be too dry or not firmly packed. Try adding a small amount of mashed potatoes or gravy to help the ingredients stick together.

If the mixture is too wet, add a little breadcrumbs instead.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for approximately 10–15 minutes. Turn them halfway through and check that the centers reach 165°F.

Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls before baking?

Yes. Shape the balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. For best quality, use them within 2 months.

Final Thoughts

These leftover turkey stuffing balls are a delicious way to give your Thanksgiving leftovers a whole new life. With tender turkey, savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy golden coating, they bring all your favorite holiday flavors together in one easy recipe.

Whether you’re making a quick lunch, feeding your family after the holidays, or preparing a tasty appetizer, these little bites are sure to be a hit.

Serve them warm with plenty of gravy, and enjoy one more comforting taste of Thanksgiving!