I imagine perfectly seasoned turkey mingling with herbs and spices, all wrapped up in golden-brown balls of deliciousness. The aroma alone can make even a skeptical eater stop in their tracks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how incredibly easy this recipe is to prepare—even for busy weeknights. The flavor bursts thanks to fresh herbs and spices, and the golden-brown color makes them visually appealing on any platter. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a main dish. I made them for a holiday party, and they disappeared before I could get a second serving!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g lean ground turkey
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, seasoned breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, chopped sage, chopped thyme, salt and pepper.
Moisten your hands slightly (this helps prevent sticking) and scoop out about 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture at a time. Roll into balls about the size of golf balls.
Place the formed turkey-stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature at least 74 °C / 165 °F).
Once done baking, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and watch as everyone dives into these irresistible bites!
Servings and Timing
Yield: Approximately 12 servings (makes about 12 balls)
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Variations
Swap the traditional breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative or use panko for extra crunch.
Add finely diced veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different herbs — for example, rosemary in place of sage for a pine-y aroma.
Use pre-cooked turkey or shredded turkey to speed up prep if you’re short on time.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm them in the oven at 175 °C (350 °F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.
You can also prepare the mixture ahead of time, shape into balls and refrigerate overnight—or freeze them. When baking from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I cook turkey stuffing balls?
I preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F), shape the mixture into balls, and bake them on a lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature at least 74 °C / 165 °F).
What ingredients do I need for turkey stuffing balls?
I gather lean ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, thyme), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, a beaten egg, salt and pepper. Feel free to include additional seasonings or veggies.
Can I make turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes—I mix the ingredients and shape the balls beforehand. I can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them. When baking from frozen, I add a few extra minutes.
What can I serve with turkey stuffing balls?
They pair beautifully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and gravy or roasted vegetables. As an appetizer I serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce. A festive touch: garnish with fresh herbs or cranberry sauce.
How can I ensure the balls stay moist inside but crisp outside?
I make sure to moisten my hands slightly when shaping the balls (this prevents sticking). I also sauté the onion and garlic first to release flavor and moisture, and I bake them at a consistent temperature so the exterior gets golden while the interior remains juicy. Tasting and adjusting seasoning before baking also helps.
Conclusion
I found that these turkey stuffing balls offer a delicious twist on classic stuffing recipes. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you bake them fresh or prepare ahead of time, they bring savory joy to the table. Don’t hesitate to customize the flavors according to your preference—and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite.
These savory turkey stuffing balls combine lean ground turkey with herbs, breadcrumbs, and aromatics for a flavorful, golden-brown bite perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight meals.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:12 stuffing balls
Ingredients
500 g lean ground turkey
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Moisten hands and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 2 tablespoons each).
Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature at least 74°C / 165°F).
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Add diced vegetables like bell pepper or carrot for extra flavor and texture.
Use rosemary in place of sage for a different herbal note.
Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze the shaped balls to bake later.
