There’s something incredibly cozy about the aroma of Thanksgiving cooking wafting through the house, isn’t there? That scent reminds me of holidays spent with family, laughter, and comfortable gatherings around a table overflowing with delicious food. One dish that always makes an appearance in our family is my Juicy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Balls with Rich Gravy. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and how it can transition seamlessly from a side dish to a delightful appetizer. Plus, who can resist the charm of bite-sized stuffing balls dripping with warm gravy? It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
These wonderful little turkey balls are not only delightful, but they also allow for some fun kitchen creativity! You can add your favorite flavors, like sweet cranberries or crunchy nuts, making it a bit of a grab-bag process. Whenever I make these, I can’t help but think of the happy chatter around our dinner table and the memories we create. So, let’s jump right into making these tasty morsels!
What’s in Juicy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Ground Turkey: The star of the show, ground turkey adds lean protein and keeps these stuffing balls juicy and flavorful. I typically go for extra lean to keep things light!
Stale Bread: Cubed stale bread serves as the perfect base for these stuffing balls. If you don’t have stale bread, no worries—just pop some fresh bread in the oven for a bit to dry it out.
Chicken Broth: A splash of chicken broth helps bind everything together while infusing it with extra flavor. I love using low-sodium broth for my recipes!
Celery and Onion: These two ingredients add that sweet-savory aromatic base that we all love in stuffing. Sauté them until fragrant for the best results!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish. Don’t skip out on this one!
Dried Sage and Thyme: These herbs bring the classic stuffing flavors to life. They’re like the comforting grandmothers of holiday cooking!
Salt and Black Pepper: Just the right amount of seasoning to ensure everything is balanced and delicious.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Why not add a little cheese? It gives a nice salty flavor and adds to the richness of the stuffing balls.
Olive Oil: This helps sauté the veggies and gives your stuffing the perfect golden color in the oven.
Gravy: Drizzling your stuffing balls with hot gravy makes them extra delicious! You can either make your own or go for your favorite store-bought version.
Is Juicy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Balls Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! These turkey stuffing balls are not just scrumptious, but they also pack in some health benefits:
Ground Turkey: A lean source of protein, ground turkey can help you feel full without weighing you down.
Stale Bread: Whole grain bread can contribute fiber to your diet, aiding digestion. Perfect for balancing out those holiday treats!
Fresh Vegetables: With celery and onions, you’re getting essential nutrients and fiber. They not only add flavor but also help you sneak in those veggies.
Of course, remember that these are still stuffing balls, so enjoy them in moderation, especially when paired with gravy. The occasional indulgence is what makes gatherings so special!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 cups stale bread, cubed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup gravy (store-bought or homemade)
These ingredients will serve about 4–6 people, making it the perfect companion for your holiday spread!
How to Make Juicy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Balls?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)—let’s get that kitchen warmed up!
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Grab a large bowl and combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese (if using). Mix it all up until everything is well combined.
4. Now, let’s have some fun! Form the mixture into balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and gently place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake those beautiful stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden-brown and cooked through.
6. While the stuffing balls are taking on a lovely golden hue, heat the gravy in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Once time is up, transfer your stuffing balls to a rustic plate and drizzle them with warm gravy. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!
Delicious Twists on the Classics
– Want to mix things up? Try adding some dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for added texture!
– These stuffing balls also work fabulously as appetizers for game days or casual gatherings. Just pop them on toothpicks and let everyone enjoy.
Now, I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try! I’m sure these Juicy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Balls with Rich Gravy will become a beloved part of your holiday traditions, just as they have in mine. And if you do whip them up, please share your experience—I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!
