I’m thrilled to share these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls with you—everything you love about Thanksgiving in one bite, well, maybe not the dessert, but you can definitely have that after you eat these, if you have room, lol! If you’re wondering what to do with leftover stuffing or leftover turkey, look no further!
I really have no idea what to call these. Stuffing balls and Thanksgiving balls? Sure, you could make these with leftovers from Christmas or Easter or when searching for Thanksgiving recipes for leftovers. Anytime you have leftover turkey really (with the fixins).
We could rename them Leftover Turkey Balls, but since they contain stuffing, I decided to include that in the title. All you really need to know is that these turkey balls hit all the holiday food notes! Bite after bite! They are a trifecta of deliciousness!
I’ve made these balls with boneless turkey breast from my farmers market, and I also use the turkey wings I buy there to make gravy. You’ll be picking up a turkey breast every now and then throughout the year just to make these! I have also made them from my smoked turkey and smoked gravy recipe leftovers and OMG next level!.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, mountains of delicious food. But what happens to all that leftover turkey and stuffing? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a look at two amazing recipes that will transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into mouthwatering meals:
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole: A Thanksgiving Encore
This recipe from Meatloaf and Melodrama is a crowd-pleaser, combining all the classic Thanksgiving flavors in a comforting casserole. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for using up those leftover turkey and stuffing.
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, chopped or shredded
- Leftover gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Leftover green beans (or other veggies you have)
- Leftover stuffing (or box stuffing mix)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
- Layer the bottom of the dish with chopped turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Pour gravy over the turkey, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Add cranberry sauce and green beans, spreading them over the gravy.
- Top with stuffing, dotting it with butter.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is steaming hot and the stuffing is golden brown.
Variations:
- No gravy? No problem! Use cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup thinned with milk, broth, or water.
- Craving mashed potatoes? Mix them with the stuffing or use them as a topping.
- This recipe is versatile! Swap leftover turkey for chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover pork chops.
Leftover Turkey Casserole: A 3-Step Thanksgiving Remix
This recipe from Hostess at Heart is all about simplicity and flavor. With only three steps, it’s a perfect solution for those who want a quick and delicious way to use up their Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ingredients:
- Cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
- Pre-made bread stuffing
- Cream of chicken soup (low sodium)
- Milk
- Optional: Frozen corn, peas, green beans, or sauteed vegetables
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer the bottom of the dish with cooked turkey.
- Crumble the stuffing over the turkey.
- Mix the soup with milk and pour it over the dressing and turkey.
- Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until bubbly.
Variations:
- Substitute cooked chicken for turkey.
- Use cream of mushroom or celery soup if that’s what you have on hand.
- Add more or less turkey depending on your preference.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing: A Culinary Canvas
These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers. With a little creativity, you can transform your turkey and stuffing into a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Turkey and Stuffing Sandwiches: A classic and comforting option. Add your favorite toppings like cranberry sauce, mayo, and cheese.
- Turkey Pot Pie: A hearty and satisfying meal. Use a pre-made pie crust or make your own.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: A creamy and cheesy pasta dish. Add mushrooms, peas, and your favorite vegetables.
- Turkey Salad Sliders: A fun and easy appetizer. Serve on mini slider buns with your favorite toppings.
Don’t let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! With these recipes and a little imagination, you can enjoy the flavors of the holiday all week long.
What can I make with leftover mashed potatoes?
You can also make my “famous” mashed potato pie or my leftover loaded mashed potato skillet in addition to these leftover turkey stuffing balls. My friend Caroline makes Irish Colcannon with leftover mashed potatoes.
To sum up these Leftover Turkey Balls, make them, make them, make them!!
If you do Friendsgiving or any sort of Thanksgiving potluck, these would absolutely be a hit!
You can use store-bought gravy, but I say make your own if you can make a killer gravy with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.
TIP – If you make gravy and love it, always freeze the leftovers when completely cooled. (I freeze mine in quart mason jars, leaving headspace).
Simply mix equal portions of stuffing and mashed potatoes, then add as much or as little shredded turkey as desired. Feel free to season the mixture with black pepper. Other than that everything was already seasoned, so no need for more.
- leftover turkey
- stuffing
- mashed potatoes
- panko
- gravy
- butter/oil (or you can bake)
- When you have leftovers, this recipe couldn’t be easier, but it’s also one of those special dishes that will make you want to make the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey again and again!
- All you have to do is mix equal amounts of stuffing and mashed potatoes, and then add the shredded turkey meat.
- Shape the mixture into meatball-sized balls and bake for 15 minutes to slightly firm the outside. The inside is light and fluffy as a cloud. You might need to bake for longer if your ingredients are cold.
- After that, cover them with gravy, top with a dollop of cranberry if desired, and devour!
- OR, in my opinion and based on how I now make these, even better Roll them into balls, coat them with seasoned panko, pressing to ensure the panko sticks, and then quickly fry them in a small amount of butter or olive oil to reheat them. The brown bits make these turkey balls even better! .
- Allowing the ingredients to reach room temperature facilitates the process of shaping them into balls.
- Alternately, reheat the mashed potatoes a little, adding extra butter as needed.
- Similarly, you can reheat stuffing in the microwave for a brief period of time, rehydrating it with a small amount of broth or water as needed.
- The gastropub where I first had these rolls the leftover turkey balls in panko and deep fries them, but crusting them and frying them up makes a delicious difference! Stunning!.
- This is a good homemade gravy to have without the drippings if you need one.
Leftover Turkey Casserole
FAQ
How long is leftover turkey and stuffing good for?
How long is stuffing good for in the refrigerator?
Can you freeze turkey and stuffing?
Why can’t you refrigerate uncooked stuffing?