Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients here is key to capturing that perfect balance of moistness and flavor. I always lean towards fresh herbs, good-quality turkey (leftovers or freshly cooked), and a stuffing that’s not too dry. If you’re making your own stuffing, adding a bit of broth keeps the balls tender without turning them mushy. When I was younger, my mum insisted on using fresh sage from the garden—those little touches make all the difference.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional, but adds lovely richness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (adjust as needed for moisture)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, grated cheddar, parsley, beaten egg, broth, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated but still hold some texture.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat evenly, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.
- Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the balls in batches until golden and crisp all over, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain even cooking.
- Transfer the fried balls to the prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures they’re heated through and firm up nicely without drying out.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step helps the centers set and makes them easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
