Ingredients
2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
2 cups leftover dressings
1 cup mashed potatoes (for moisture and sticking together)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 beaten eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil (if frying).
Instructions
If you want to bake them, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In case of frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Blend ingredients together: Combine shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, Parmesan cheese, parsley and beaten eggs in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper according to taste.
Shape balls: Mould the mixture into balls that are slightly larger than golf balls using hands. For an extra crispy outer layer, they may be rolled in breadcrumbs.
Bake or fry:
Baking: Place the balls on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or slightly greased. Spray cooking spray over their tops. Bake for about twenty-five minutes until golden brown and well heated.
Frying: Drop the balls into hot oil carefully and let them cook until they turn golden brown; about three or four minutes per side. Take them out and place on kitchen towels.
Serve: Serve while still hot with your preferred dipping sauce or gravy.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: They make great appetizers, snacks or can be even served as main dishes when paired with a salad or vegetables.
Storage: Keep any remaining balls inside an airtight container inside your fridge for up to three days.
Reheating: On the other hand, warm these stuffed delicacies inside an oven whose temperature is around 350°F (175°C), approximately ten minutes should do it until warmed through; otherwise use high microwave setting for one up to two minutes.
Tips for Success
Moisture Balance: If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more mashed potatoes or a splash of broth. If it’s too wet, add more stuffing or breadcrumbs.
Uniform Size: Ensure the balls are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Chill the Mixture: If it is too soft to handle, put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming your balls.
Benefits of Healthiness
Lean Protein: Turkey is an amazing source of lean proteins which helps in muscle repair and growth.
Fibers: The stuffing often contains bread and vegetables which makes it a good source of dietary fiber that aids digestion.
Vitamins and Minerals: The ingredients used in these balls like turkey and parsley contain different vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C; and minerals such as Iron.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming recipe yields 12 balls)
Calories: 150
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium:
300mg
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese: Swap Parmesan with cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Vegetarian Version : Go vegetarian by using a vegetarian stuffing mix without the turkey but instead use finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
Gluten-Free Diet Plan Use gluten-free stuffing with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze these turkey stuffing balls?
A: Sure you can freeze them by arranging the balls on baking sheet freezer to freeze before putting in freezer bags that are safe for freezing. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with these balls?
A: Cranberry sauce, gravy, honey mustard dressing; or garlic aioli all pair wonderfully with these turkey stuffing balls.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes air frying is a great option. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the balls for about 10-12 minutes turning halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
conclusion
Leftover turkey stuffing balls is multipurpose and delicious method of reusing the holiday leftovers. Whether you bake or fry these delightful chunks, they are definitely family and friends’ favorite. Be creative with types and have an easily-prepared satisfaction meal every time.
