Here’s a great recipe for Baked Turkey and Stuffing Balls, perfect for a holiday meal or any time you want a comforting, savory dish. These bite-sized delights combine turkey and stuffing into one tasty package, great for serving with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing, about 3 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra moisture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing on top)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- Prepare the stuffing according to the package directions (or if using homemade, ensure it’s fully cooked). Set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked stuffing, sautéed vegetables, egg, chicken broth, shredded mozzarella (if using), Parmesan cheese, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a bit more broth.
5. Form the Balls:
- Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with Butter:
- Brush the tops of the turkey stuffing balls with melted butter for extra flavor and browning.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey is fully cooked through and the stuffing balls are golden brown. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve:
- Serve the baked turkey and stuffing balls with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a side to your holiday meal.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- Add-ins: For a twist, you can add dried cranberries, chopped apples, or nuts to the stuffing mixture.
- Sauce: These pair well with a drizzle of turkey or chicken gravy.
These Baked Turkey and Stuffing Balls make a perfect bite-sized portion of the classic turkey and stuffing combination, easy to serve for a festive gathering or an easy weeknight meal!