If you’re wondering what to do with leftover stuffing or leftover turkey, look no further! I’m thrilled to share with you these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls—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!
I really have no idea what to call these. Sure, you could use leftovers from Christmas or Easter or when looking for Thanksgiving recipes for leftovers to make stuffing balls and Thanksgiving balls. Anytime you have leftover turkey really (with the fixins).
We could call them Leftover Turkey Balls, but I opted to include the fact that they have stuffing in the title. All that really needs to be known is that these turkey balls are a trifecta of deliciousness, hitting all the holiday food notes with each bite!
I used boneless turkey breast from my farmers market to make these balls, and I also used the turkey wings I bought there to make gravy. Every now and then throughout the year, you’ll be picking up a turkey breast just to make these! I’ve also made them with the leftovers from my smoked turkey and smoked gravy recipe, and they were AMAZING!
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. However, what happens to all the leftovers? Fear not, foodies! You can make a delicious and inexpensive casserole with leftover turkey and stuffing.
This guide will equip you with everything you need to know about crafting the perfect Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole. From ingredient variations to cooking tips and storage advice, we’ve got you covered. So grab your leftovers and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
- Leftover Turkey: The star of the show! Use shredded or chopped turkey, white, dark, or a combination.
- Leftover Stuffing: The perfect complement to the turkey. Premade or leftover stuffing works wonders, just avoid the dry croutons.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Opt for low-sodium varieties as your leftovers already have seasoning.
- Milk: Any type works, but room-temperature milk blends more smoothly with the soup.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Vegetables: Frozen corn, peas, green beans, or sauteed vegetables add a colorful and healthy twist.
- Cream of Mushroom or Celery Soup: Substitute these if you have them on hand.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar adds a delightful cheesy touch.
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the leftover turkey in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Crumble the stuffing over the turkey, creating a fluffy blanket.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup and milk, ensuring a smooth consistency. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffing.
- Optional: Add your chosen vegetables or cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake the casserole for 40-60 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Cooking Tips:
- Use room-temperature milk for easier blending with the soup.
- Chicken can be substituted for turkey if desired.
- Experiment with different cream soup flavors like mushroom or celery.
- Adjust the amount of turkey based on your preference. More turkey results in a thicker casserole.
- Feel free to add vegetables for a nutritious boost.
- Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for future enjoyment.
Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Additional Resources:
- Check out the Leftover Turkey Casserole recipe by Hostess at Heart for detailed instructions: https://hostessatheart.com/leftover-turkey-casserole-only-3-steps/
- Explore Meatloaf and Melodrama’s Leftover Turkey Stuffing Casserole recipe for another delicious variation: https://www.meatloafandmelodrama.com/leftover-turkey-stuffing-casserole/
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry stuffing mix instead of leftover stuffing? Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing according to package directions and add it to the casserole.
- What can I serve with the casserole? Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
- Can I make a smaller casserole? Of course! Use a smaller baking dish and adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.
- How do I reheat frozen leftovers? Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
You can now make a delicious Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole that will entice your taste buds and leave you wanting more thanks to this extensive guide. So gather your leftovers, let your cooking imagination run wild, and enjoy Thanksgiving’s flavors once more!
What can I make with leftover stuffing?
I love to use my waffle maker to make stuffing waffles and top them with different toppings, in addition to making these leftover Thanksgiving turkey stuffing balls. I have even wrapped stuffing in bacon and made Stuffing Bombs. Yummo!.
Please let me know if you make the leftover stuffing balls from turkey or come up with a better name for them. Maybe Gobble Balls?? Because, well turkey and youll gobble them up. Haha!!.
What can I make with leftover mashed potatoes?
In addition to these leftover turkey stuffing balls, you can also make my “famous” mashed potato pie or my leftover loaded mashed potato skillet. My friend Caroline makes Irish Colcannon with leftover mashed potatoes.