Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls for Cozy Family Gatherings

Dalida Marino

Posted on October 11, 2025
Updated on January 12, 2026

by Dalida Marino

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a comforting family tradition made from leftover stuffing and turkey, offering warmth and a taste of cherished memories.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. It brings back memories of laughter, stories, and the delicious smells that fill our homes. One dish that has been a part of our Thanksgiving celebrations is Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls. This comforting dish has graced our family table for generations, the kind of meal my mother would prepare when the house needed warmth and healing.

Why Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Belongs in Your Kitchen Story

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls isn’t just food; it’s care, memory, and tradition woven together. Making it means carrying on the heritage of slow, loving cooking that nourishes more than just the body. This dish helps us remember those who came before us. Each bite connects us to our family history and reminds us of the joy and warmth they gave.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls for Cozy Family Gatherings
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The Heartfelt Process Behind Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

The process of making Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls invites patience. Each stir and each simmer is a quiet act of love. This recipe reveals its true character only when given the gift of time. It teaches us to slow down and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen. This is a dish that not only fills our stomachs but also hugs our hearts.

Gathering the Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

To create these delightful balls, you will need:

  • 2 cups leftover stuffing
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Oil for frying

Gathering these simple ingredients is like gathering pieces of our memories. Each item brings to mind the laughter and love shared at our family table.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine leftover stuffing, turkey, cheese, green onions, cranberry sauce, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Fry the stuffing balls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy your post-holiday snack!

Following these steps is simple and rewarding. Each ball you create is a little piece of love that you can share with others.

Serving Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls With Family Warmth

At our table, Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls is ladled generously, often with a hunk of bread for dipping. There is always an unspoken rule that no one leaves the table hungry. We share stories and laughter as we enjoy this comforting dish together. It brings us closer, creating new memories while honoring the old ones.

How to Keep This Masterpiece Restorative Tomorrow

Like all soulful dishes, Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls deepens as it rests. Store it gently in the fridge, and when reheated, it greets you with the same care as when it was first made. This dish is perfect for those cozy evenings after the holiday, reminding us of the warmth and joy from our Thanksgiving feast.

Discover More Heritage Recipes

Every recipe carries a piece of memory, care, and tradition. If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love the other comforting meals I’ve shared from my kitchen. Each one is crafted with the same patience and heart that have guided me for decades.

👉 Explore More Heritage Recipes Here

easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls for Cozy Family Gatherings
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Quiet Tips & Tricks

Patience is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Use a heavy pot, stir slowly, and let the herbs breathe into the broth. You’ll taste the love in every spoonful of Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls. Cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about putting a piece of your heart into every step.

Heritage Variations

Every family has its special touches. In ours, sometimes we brighten Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls with a little lemon or enrich it with extra garlic when a bit of healing was needed. These variations make the dish truly ours, reflecting our family’s unique flavor and history.

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Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls are a comforting family tradition made from leftover stuffing and turkey, offering warmth and a taste of cherished memories.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups leftover stuffing Use any type of leftover stuffing.
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded Any leftover turkey works well.
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella) Choose your favorite cheese.
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped Adds a fresh flavor.
  • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 whole egg, beaten Helps to bind the ingredients.
  • as needed cups oil for frying Choose a frying oil of your preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine leftover stuffing, turkey, cheese, green onions, cranberry sauce, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Fry the stuffing balls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Serving
  1. Serve warm and enjoy your post-holiday snack!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Notes

Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls can be stored in the fridge and reheated. Each ball is a piece of love to share. Patience is key for best results. Variations can be made by adding lemon zest or garlic for a unique twist.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls

Can I bake stuffing balls instead of frying them?

Yes! Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. They’ll come out crispy with less oil.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

No problem—just make a quick batch of boxed or homemade stuffing. Let it cool slightly so it holds together better when shaping the balls.

How do I store and reheat stuffing balls?

Store cooled balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again.

Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape them in advance and refrigerate overnight. Fry or bake them just before serving so they stay crispy and fresh.

Can I swap the turkey for something else?

Sure! Cooked chicken, ham, or even crumbled sausage works beautifully. These little bites are super adaptable to whatever’s in your fridge.

A Closing Note

As you prepare Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls, remember it is more than a recipe; it’s a gift. Cook it with care, and one day, you too will pass its comfort to those you love. Each ball carries stories, love, and the warmth of family traditions. Enjoy the cooking process, and let it remind you of the beauty of sharing food and memories with those you cherish.

Join Me at the Family Table on Facebook

In our family, recipes aren’t just instructions they’re stories passed from one kitchen to another. If you’d like to gather around my table and discover more comforting dishes like this one, I’d love for you to join me on Facebook. That’s where I share more of the recipes that have warmed our home for generations.

👉 Follow Dalida on Facebook for More Recipes

  • Dalida Marino

    The grandmother and the heart of our family kitchen. Her cooking is slow, patient, and healing, rooted in the belief that food is medicine. From simmering pots of ginger tea to simple bowls of oatmeal, she has shown me how the smallest ingredients can carry the deepest nourishment.

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