**Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls**
A flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion, **Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls** bring together the savory goodness of turkey and the comforting flavors of stuffing in a handheld form. These bite-sized treats are not only a great appetizer but also make a satisfying meal or side dish. Whether served at a holiday dinner, casual family meal, or a party, these turkey and stuffing balls offer a delicious twist on classic flavors.
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### **Origin**
The concept of combining turkey and stuffing into a ball or nugget form likely originated as a way to creatively use leftovers from Thanksgiving or other festive feasts. Inspired by the classic turkey and stuffing pairing that graces many American tables, these stuffed balls began appearing as an easy-to-make alternative to traditional stuffing casseroles. While their exact origin is unclear, their popularity has grown due to their versatility and appeal as a quick and easy meal prep item.
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### **Cultural Significance**
Turkey and stuffing are staples of American holiday meals, particularly during Thanksgiving, where they take center stage on most tables. By transforming these two beloved ingredients into turkey and stuffing balls, home cooks can extend the holiday spirit into more casual or weeknight meals. These balls can also represent the creativity of American home cooks, showing how traditional flavors can be reimagined in a fun and approachable way. The dish also resonates with the theme of comfort food, as it combines familiar, hearty ingredients in a new format that is both satisfying and convenient.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity**
– **Ground Turkey** – 1 lb (lean or regular)
– **Stuffing Mix** – 1 box (6 oz) or homemade stuffing, prepared
– **Egg** – 1 large
– **Chicken Broth** – 1/4 cup (to moisten stuffing, if needed)
– **Onion** – 1 small, finely chopped
– **Celery** – 2 stalks, finely chopped
– **Garlic** – 2 cloves, minced
– **Dried Cranberries** – 1/4 cup (optional for sweetness and texture)
– **Parsley** – 2 tbsp, chopped
– **Salt & Pepper** – to taste
– **Olive Oil** – 2 tbsp (for cooking)
– **Breadcrumbs** – 1/2 cup (optional, for coating)
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Shredded Cheese** – 1/2 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a creamy touch)
– **Sage** – 1 tsp (for a more aromatic, earthy flavor)
– **Pecans or Walnuts** – 1/4 cup, chopped (for added texture and nuttiness)
– **Apple** – 1/2 cup, finely chopped (for a touch of sweetness and moisture)
– **Hot Sauce or Mustard** – a few dashes (for extra kick)
– **Spinach** – 1/2 cup, finely chopped (for added greens)
– **Cranberry Sauce** – for dipping (for an added festive touch)
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Moisture Balance**: If your stuffing seems dry, add a little extra chicken broth or some butter to moisten it. A dry stuffing mixture can make the balls fall apart during cooking.
2. **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the turkey with the stuffing, mix just until combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough balls.
3. **Make Them Uniform**: To ensure even cooking, try to shape the balls with equal sizes (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter).
4. **Baking Option**: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. **Use Leftovers**: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving or any family meal, making it a great dish for reducing food waste.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Stuffing**: If using boxed stuffing, prepare it according to the package instructions. If using homemade stuffing, ensure it’s moist and ready. Set it aside to cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Turkey Mixture**: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, finely chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
3. **Combine**: Add the prepared stuffing mix to the turkey mixture and fold until just combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little chicken broth or water to moisten it.
4. **Shape the Balls**: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2 to 2-inch balls. You can roll them in breadcrumbs at this point for a crispy exterior, if desired.
5. **Cook**: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey and stuffing balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. **Serve**: Serve hot with a side of cranberry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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### **Description**
Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls are the perfect blend of juicy turkey and savory stuffing in a fun, bite-sized form. These little morsels are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the flavors of Thanksgiving all packed into one easy-to-eat ball. They make an excellent addition to holiday spreads, casual meals, or as a snack for guests. The optional additions, such as cranberries or cheese, elevate the flavor profile, while the turkey and stuffing combination remains the heart of the dish.
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### **Nutritional Information** (Approximate per serving, 1 ball)
– **Calories**: 150-200 kcal
– **Total Fat**: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– **Cholesterol**: 45mg
– **Sodium**: 230mg
– **Total Carbohydrates**: 12g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 2g
– **Protein**: 12g
– **Vitamin A**: 6% DV
– **Vitamin C**: 4% DV
– **Calcium**: 2% DV
– **Iron**: 6% DV
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### **Conclusion**
Delicious Turkey and Stuffing Balls are a wonderfully versatile and delicious dish that brings together the best of Thanksgiving flavors in a convenient, portable form. They are quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for serving at gatherings or even as a quick dinner. Whether you make them for a holiday or as a weeknight meal, these flavorful balls are sure to please everyone at the table.
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### **Recommendation**
For a healthier twist, consider using lean ground turkey or even ground chicken. You can reduce fat content by opting for whole-wheat breadcrumbs or skipping the breadcrumb coating entirely. If you’re looking to cut carbs, try using cauliflower-based stuffing. Embrace the healthful indulgence of this recipe by making it your own, whether you’re sticking to the classic version or adding your favorite personal touches. These turkey and stuffing balls are a perfect balance of flavor and convenience, and they offer a great way to enjoy comfort food without compromising on taste.