Name: Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups Chopped turkey meat (cooked, white or dark meat); 3 Cups Mashed potatoes (chilled); 3 Cups Stuffing or dressing (chilled); Panko breadcrumbs (as needed, if the mixture is too wet); Salt and pepper (to taste); Leftover gravy (warmed, for serving)

Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls can be enjoyed as they are or repurposed. If you have leftover mashed potatoes turkey and stuffing from Thanksgiving, Christmas or from your last roast dinner, you are going to love the following recipe. Turkey, potatoes and stuffing are combined with gravy and panko breadcrumbs to make these delicious stuffing balls.

The Best Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

There is nothing quite like a massive holiday feast, but dealing with the mountain of leftovers in the fridge the next day can sometimes feel like a chore. If you find yourself staring at containers of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, wondering how to serve them without just reheating the same plate of food, you are in the right place.

These Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate post-holiday comfort food. They take all the best flavors of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and transform them into crispy, savory bites of perfection.

Instead of building another standard turkey sandwich, you can roll your holiday favorites into bite-sized appetizers or a completely new main course. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, require zero complicated prep work, and will have your family coming back for seconds.

Whether you are hosting a casual post-holiday gathering or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe breathes delicious new life into your holiday leftovers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Incredible Texture: Baking these stuffing balls gives them a delightfully crispy, golden-brown exterior while the inside remains soft, savory, and moist from the mashed potatoes.

Reduces Food Waste: This is the perfect way to use up the last bits of your holiday feast so that nothing goes to waste.

Highly Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe based on exactly what you have left in your refrigerator.

Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters who might be tired of standard leftovers will love these fun, dippable bites.

Key Ingredients You Will Need

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few basic leftovers to bring it all together.

Chopped Turkey Meat (1 ½ Cups): You can use white meat, dark meat, or a mix of both. Make sure to chop it finely so that the balls hold their shape properly.
Mashed Potatoes (3 Cups): The mashed potatoes act as the primary binder for this recipe. Because they are thick and starchy, they hold the turkey and stuffing together beautifully. Cold, leftover potatoes work best.
Stuffing (3 Cups): Use your favorite leftover stuffing or dressing. Whether it is a classic herb stuffing, cornbread dressing, or sausage stuffing, it will add a massive punch of savory flavor to the mix.
Panko Breadcrumbs (As Needed): Moisture levels in leftover stuffing and potatoes can vary wildly. Panko breadcrumbs are your secret weapon for adjusting the texture. If your mixture feels too wet, a handful of Panko will absorb the excess moisture and help the balls keep their shape.
Salt and Pepper (To Taste): Since your leftovers are already seasoned, you may only need a tiny pinch. Always taste a small bit of the mixture before rolling!
Gravy (For Serving): Essential for dipping or drizzling over the top.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the stuffing balls from sticking and makes clean-up an absolute breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped leftover turkey, cold mashed potatoes, and leftover stuffing. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Use a large wooden spoon or your hands to gently fold the mixture together until it is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Check the Consistency

Once mixed, take a small handful and try to form a ball. If the mixture feels too loose, wet, or sticky to hold a shape, sprinkle in some Panko breadcrumbs a few tablespoons at a time. Mix again until the mixture is firm enough to roll easily.

Step 4: Roll the Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them tightly into evenly sized balls (about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger, depending on your preference). Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You are looking for the outside to become beautifully browned and slightly crispy, and for the center to be heated all the way through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them sit for a minute or two. Serve them warm with a generous pour of hot leftover gravy, or serve the gravy on the side in small ramekins for dipping.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Keep the Leftovers Cold: It is highly recommended to use leftovers straight from the fridge. Cold mashed potatoes and stuffing are much firmer and will bind together much better than warm ingredients.

Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure all your stuffing balls are the exact same size and bake evenly, use a spring-loaded cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture.

Add Cheese: If you want to take these to the next level, try hiding a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the very center of each ball before baking. It creates a wonderful gooey center!

Crispier Exterior: For an extra crunch, you can lightly roll the formed balls in a shallow dish of additional Panko breadcrumbs before placing them on the baking sheet. A quick mist of olive oil cooking spray will also help them turn extra golden.

How to Store and Reheat

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers of your leftovers, here is how to handle them:

To Store: Place any cooled stuffing balls into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: You can freeze these! Place the completely cooled baked balls on a baking sheet in the freezer for one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: The best way to reheat them and maintain their crispy exterior is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in an air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 350°F. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it will make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in the Air Fryer? Absolutely! Air frying gives these an incredible crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Spray the basket lightly with oil and cook the balls in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, checking them halfway through.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey? Yes. If you make a Sunday roast chicken or have a leftover rotisserie chicken, you can easily substitute it for the turkey. This makes it a fantastic recipe for any time of the year, not just after the holidays!

Why are my stuffing balls falling apart? This usually happens if the mixture is either too dry or too wet. If it is too wet, add more Panko breadcrumbs. If the mixture is too crumbly and dry (which happens if your stuffing was very dry), add a small splash of chicken broth, a spoonful of gravy, or one beaten egg to help bind everything together.