Thanksgiving Leftover Balls – Easy & Delicious Holiday Recipe!

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

The Ultimate Way to Reinvent Your Holiday Leftovers!

Picture this: the Thanksgiving feast is over, your fridge is packed with leftovers, and you’re staring at mountains of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, wondering what to do next. Enter Thanksgiving Leftover Balls – the crispy, golden, bite-sized delights that transform your holiday extras into a whole new meal! These little flavor bombs are packed with all your favorite Thanksgiving tastes, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, and fried (or baked) to perfection.

Best of all? They take just 20 minutes to make, require no fancy ingredients, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a post-holiday brunch, these balls are the ultimate way to give your leftovers a delicious second life.

If you loved our Juicy Ground Turkey Sliders – Easy & Healthy Dinner Idea!, you’ll adore this recipe even more because it’s faster, more versatile, and packed with that same comforting holiday flavor. Ready to turn your leftovers into something extraordinary? Let’s dive in!

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What Are Thanksgiving Leftover Balls?

Have you ever looked at your fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and thought, “There’s got to be a better way than just reheating everything?” Well, my friend, that’s where Thanksgiving Leftover Balls come in! These crispy, golden bites are like the love child of a croquette and a stuffing ball – packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy, all rolled into one irresistible snack.

Why are they called “leftover balls”? Because they take all those random Tupperware containers of holiday food and turn them into something magical. As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, these balls will win over even the pickiest eaters.

So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to boring leftover sandwiches and hello to a fun, flavorful twist, grab your leftovers and let’s get rolling!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Perfect Way to Use Up Leftovers

No more wasting food! These balls combine all your Thanksgiving favorites into one easy, delicious dish. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, even cranberry sauce – everything gets a second life.

2. Budget-Friendly & Quick

Instead of ordering takeout or cooking a whole new meal, this recipe saves you time and money. Just mix, roll, and cook!

3. Crispy, Flavorful, & Customizable

The crunchy breadcrumb coating gives these balls the perfect texture, while the inside stays soft and savory. Plus, you can add cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of gravy for extra indulgence.

If you enjoyed our Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Peaches: The Ultimate Sweet & Easy Treat, you’ll love how these balls offer a similar creative twist on holiday leftovers. Ready to make them? Let’s get started!

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How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

Quick Overview

These balls are easy, crispy, and packed with flavor – the perfect way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers. They take just 20 minutes to prepare and can be fried for extra crunch or baked for a lighter option.

Key Ingredients

– 2 cups shredded turkey
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1 cup stuffing
– ½ cup gravy (plus extra for dipping)
– 1 egg (for binding)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
– 1 tsp herbs (thyme, sage, or parsley)
– Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the filling – In a bowl, combine turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and egg. Mix well.
2. Form the balls – Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
3. Coat with breadcrumbs – Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. Cook –
– Fried: Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden (3-4 minutes per side).
– Baked: Place on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve warm with extra gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping!

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What to Serve With Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

These crispy bites are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes them to the next level. Try serving them with a creamy garlic dip, cranberry sauce, or a fresh green salad for balance. For a heartier meal, add roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato fries. And if you’re feeling extra festive, a glass of sparkling cider or warm mulled wine makes the perfect accompaniment.

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Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

– Too sticky? Add more breadcrumbs to the mixture for better binding.
– Extra crispy? Double-coat the balls in breadcrumbs before frying.
– No turkey? Swap it for ham or shredded chicken.
– Make ahead? Freeze uncooked balls and fry/bake when ready!

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Storing and Reheating Tips

– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or air-fry until crispy.

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People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Leftover Balls

How do you make Thanksgiving leftover balls?

Simply mix shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and an egg. Roll into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, then fry or bake until golden. It’s that easy!

What ingredients can you put in Thanksgiving leftover balls?

You can add anything – cranberry sauce, cheese, herbs, or even chopped veggies. Get creative with your leftovers!

Can you freeze Thanksgiving leftover balls?

Yes! Freeze them before cooking, then bake or fry straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes).

How do you cook Thanksgiving leftover balls (fried, baked, etc.)?

Frying gives the crispiest texture, but baking works too. For an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Leftover Balls are the ultimate way to enjoy holiday leftovers without the monotony. They’re quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable, making them a must-try for any post-feast meal.

So, next time you’re staring at a fridge full of leftovers, don’t stress – just roll them into these crispy, golden bites and enjoy a whole new meal!

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