Panko Crusted Crispy Stuffing Balls

Name: Panko Crusted Crispy Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked stuffing ( (leftover)); 1 cup diced/shredded turkey; 1/4 onion (diced); 1 garlic clove (minced); 6 oz. brie (rind removed and diced); 1 tsp. butter; 1/4 cups chicken broth ((optional)); 1/2 cup flour; 3 eggs (beaten); 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

By Danielle on November 13, 2019, Updated October 1, 2021 35 Comments

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These Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing and amp them up with a touch of gooey cheese and a nice crispy coating on the outside!

This recipe was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.

Filled with gooey brie cheese and chunks of turkey, you will definitely not be able to eat just one of these stuffing balls. Dip them in leftover gravy or cranberry sauce, or just eat them by themselves.

Guys, these stuffing balls are my new favorite way to consume Thanksgiving leftovers. Hell, I'd actually prefer to just eat these stuffing balls over ACTUAL Thanksgiving dinner. It's kinda like Thanksgiving all wrapped up in a crispy, gooey ball of deliciousness.

Serve them with these bacon Braised Brussels Sprouts and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a "day after" Thanksgiving feast!

Why This Stuffing Ball Recipe Works

It uses leftovers which is super awesome;
That aside, the brie becomes gooey and melted making the inside of the stuffing balls incredible;
Panko bread crumbs help the outside of the stuffing balls to get nice and crisp;
Baking instead of frying is cleaner and healthier.

The Ingredients for Stuffing Balls

Easy ingredients guys. If you're making these after a holiday dinner, my guess is that you've already got some leftover stuffing. You'll need about 4 cups of cooked stuffing for this.

**If you're looking for stuffing recipes, try this delicious Basic Stuffing Recipe, Cornbread Stuffing (works great in this recipe too), or Bread Stuffing Recipe.

And if you've got leftover stuffing, you've probably got leftover turkey. Any turkey will do. I bought a turkey breast from the store and diced it up to use here because I didn't have any leftover turkey (my allocated part of leftovers was the carcass for bone broth this year).

Other ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store, or buy them through the below Amazon links for convenience (affiliate links):

Stuffing mix
Turkey
Brie
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Eggs
Flour
Panko bread crumbs

How to Make Stuffing Balls

You've got a couple choices here. If you've got some leftover stuffing, definitely use that. This recipe takes about 4 cups of cooked stuffing.

If you don't have leftover stuffing, it's still very easy to make. Just use a box stuffing and cook according to the directions. Place the stuffing in a bowl.

Heat the bacon grease (or any fat) in a large sauce pan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook until soft, about 2 minutes.

Add the turkey and and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the stuffing. Mix to combine.

Add the brie in pieces and mix to distribute throughout the mixture. If the stuffing is dry, add ¼ cup of chicken broth (more or less as needed). The stuffing should be just wet enough to form balls.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Let the stuffing cool then form it into 2" balls.

Coat in the flour, dip in the egg wash, and dredge in the panko breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. See photos below for step by step instructions:

Spray each ball with nonstick cooking spray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. You can also drizzle the balls with butter, but I found the cooking spray to be easier.

Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce. Personally, I love them all by themselves.

Expert Tips

Place the stuffing mixture in the fridge to chill after mixing it to make it easier to roll in balls;
Chill the balls before dipping them in the panko egg coating to keep them from falling apart;
Add small amounts of chicken broth to make the mixture sticky enough to stick together;
Be sure to spray them thoroughly with the non stick cooking spray so they get nice and golden brown when cooking;
Be careful to not use too many additions or the balls may not stick together;
See below for some variations on these stuffing balls.

Stuffing Ball Variations

Use cornbread stuffing, French bread stuffing or sourdough stuffing for these stuffing balls (or any kind stuffing you may have);
Add meats such as cooked bacon, chicken, sausage, shrimp, etc.
Make it spicy with a touch of chili powder, diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or any diced chilies;
Add any diced vegetables such as cooked butternut squash, onions, mushrooms, celery, etc.
Chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios;
Replace the brie with any kind of soft cheese as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store stuffing balls? Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. They can also be frozen (see below freezing instructions).
How do I reheat stuffing balls? Place them in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to reheat and re-crisp them. They can also be microwaved, but will lose their crispness.
Can stuffing balls be made in advance? To make in advance, form the stuffing balls and store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to cook, coat them with the panko mixture and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Can you freeze stuffing balls? You totally can guys! These stuffing balls can be made ahead and frozen. Just place on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Then place the balls in a freezer bag/container and store in the freezer. Adjust the cook time to about 30-35 minutes, or until stuffing balls and crisp on the outside and thawed in the middle.

More Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turkey and Dumplings with Stuffing Dumplings;
Mashed Potato Dumplings;
Turkey Pot Pie;
Instant Pot Turkey Chili;
Turkey Crescent Rolls.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

Mexican Cornbread Stuffing;
Homemade Bread Stuffing with Butternut Squash;
Oyster Stuffing Recipe;
Basic Stuffing Recipe (Tips & Tricks for the Best Stuffing);
Jambalaya Stuffing;
Wild Rice Stuffing.

Did you make these crispy stuffing balls? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!