Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Thank you so much for stopping by, friend! 💛 I know how it goes — Thanksgiving (or Christmas) comes and goes, and suddenly the fridge is filled with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes that no one’s quite excited about reheating.

Well, that’s about to change in the most delicious way possible! These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls turn all your favorite holiday leftovers into something brand-new — crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, and packed with that cozy Thanksgiving flavor in every single bite.

They’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for snacking, brunching, or turning into a fun appetizer for the weekend after the big feast.

And if you love recipes that reinvent leftovers into wow-worthy dishes, make sure to subscribe to my recipe emails so you never miss another cozy creation like this one! 💌

Overview of the Recipe

These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls combine turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a touch of cheese into perfectly poppable bites of comfort. You’ll mix everything together, roll into balls, coat them lightly in breadcrumbs, and bake or air fry until golden and crispy.

They’re a little crunchy, a little creamy, and a whole lot of nostalgic goodness — a true second act for your Thanksgiving feast!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Zero waste, all flavor!
• Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Works with all kinds of leftovers.
• Kid-friendly: Perfect for little hands (and adults, too!).
• Perfect for parties or next-day snacking.

Description of the Taste

Think of these as the lovechild of a croquette and a holiday stuffing ball — crispy outside, soft and herby inside, with juicy bites of turkey and cheesy mashed potatoes that practically melt in your mouth.

Each bite tastes like Thanksgiving dinner rolled up into one irresistible, hand-held snack.

And the smell when they’re baking? Buttery, herby, savory perfection!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Reduces food waste.
• Makes leftovers fun and exciting.
• Freezes beautifully for later.
• Great for holiday brunch or appetizer platters.
• Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended!)
• 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Coating

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for baking)

For Serving (optional but so good!)

• Turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• Baking sheet (or air fryer basket)
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Small bowl for breadcrumbs

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• No mashed potatoes? Use extra stuffing or add cooked rice.
• Add-ins: Try chopped green beans, corn, or diced carrots for color.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda.
• Breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers, panko, or even leftover rolls blitzed into crumbs.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Use meatless roast leftovers or veggie stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) (or preheat your air fryer to 360°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix gently but thoroughly — the mixture should be moist enough to hold together when rolled. If it feels dry, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or gravy.

(At this stage, you’ll notice that cozy Thanksgiving aroma — the herbs, the butter, the turkey… it’s all coming back!)

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Coat in Breadcrumbs

Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to lightly coat. For extra crispiness, drizzle or brush them with a little melted butter before baking.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry

To bake: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

To air fry: Arrange in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

The outside will be crispy and beautifully golden, while the inside stays warm, soft, and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with turkey gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce for that sweet-salty magic.

(I’m kicking myself for not snapping a photo of that melty cheese pull when I broke one open — it’s so good!!)

What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

These tasty bites are perfect on their own, but they also shine alongside:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Turkey gravy or herbed cream sauce
• Cranberry chutney for a pop of sweetness
• Leftover veggies like green bean casserole or roasted carrots

They make a great lunch, appetizer, or snack board addition!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked or cooked balls for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
• Reheat: Air fry or bake until crisp again — they reheat beautifully!

General Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 20 stuffing balls

Conclusion

These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday magic trick — turning yesterday’s feast into today’s crispy, golden comfort bites!

I promised you something cozy, clever, and absolutely delicious, and these little bites deliver in every way. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, they’re a creative, satisfying way to use up those leftovers and bring that Thanksgiving joy right back to the table.

And if you love this one, don’t miss my Turkey Cranberry Sliders and Stuffing Muffins — they’re just as easy, fun, and flavor-packed for the post-holiday season!

Interactive Element

I love seeing your creative leftover recipes! 🦃💛 Tag your Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls on Pinterest or share in the comments below — did you add cheese, spice, or dip them in something unique? Your ideas always inspire me and other readers!

Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 balls)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 390mg
• Sugar: 2g