Here’s a Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a holiday appetizer. These savory bites combine the flavors of turkey and stuffing into a bite-sized treat, making them perfect for serving at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- For the Turkey & Stuffing Balls:
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 2 cups cooked stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, grated or finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- For the Gravy (optional but delicious!):
- 1 cup turkey or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- If you don’t already have cooked stuffing, you can make it or use store-bought stuffing. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Turkey & Stuffing Balls:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked stuffing, sautéed vegetables, fresh parsley, egg, breadcrumbs (if using), dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 16-20 balls, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Turkey & Stuffing Balls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey and stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Make the Gravy (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Once the turkey and stuffing balls are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with the gravy on the side, or drizzle it over the turkey balls.
Tips:
- Add some cheese: For a cheesy twist, you can add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a melty surprise inside the turkey balls.
- Crispy exterior: For a crispier outside, you can pan-fry the turkey and stuffing balls in a little oil before baking them in the oven.
- Make it ahead: These turkey and stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
These Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit! They’re savory, moist, and perfect with or without gravy. Enjoy! 🦃🍽️