The Ultimate Day-After-Thanksgiving Dinner: Turkey & Stuffing Ball Delight

The Friday after Thanksgiving used to be a day of culinary dread for me. Towering stacks of leftovers threatened to overwhelm the refrigerator, and the thought of yet another turkey sandwich felt like a punishment. Then one year, staring into the abyss of Tupperware containers, inspiration struck. I envisioned crispy orbs of savory stuffing and mashed potatoes, cradling a tender, creamy turkey gravy. The result was so unexpectedly delicious that now, the “Day After” dinner is as eagerly anticipated as the holiday feast itself! The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable, perfect for using up every last bit of cranberry sauce or that extra half-cup of gravy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 6-8 Stuffing Balls with Sauce
• Dietary Type: Not specified, can be modified for dietary needs

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 (16 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 cup gravy (turkey or chicken, leftover or store-bought)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups roasted turkey, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1-2 cups prepared stuffing
• 1 egg, beaten

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Greased baking sheet

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the stuffing balls. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the prepared stuffing and mashed potatoes.

2. Add the beaten egg to the stuffing and potato mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, helping the balls hold their shape.

3. Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2 to 2-inch balls. You can also flatten them into patties if you prefer.

4. Place the formed stuffing balls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through and slightly crunchy on the outside. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the turkey gravy sauce. Start by making a roux.

7. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. This ensures a smooth and evenly seasoned sauce.

8. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

9. Gradually add the seasoned flour to the melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously after each addition. I find a whisk works best to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent lumps.

10. Cook the roux until it’s smooth and bubbling, usually about 2-3 minutes.

11. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the roux.

12. Stir in the gravy and milk, ensuring a smooth and even consistency.

13. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes smooth. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

14. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded or cubed turkey. Heat the turkey through in the sauce.

15. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

16. To serve, place the baked stuffing balls on a plate and generously spoon the turkey gravy sauce over them.

17. Any leftover vegetables from your Thanksgiving feast can be served as a side dish. A fresh green salad also makes a wonderful complement to this meal. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crispy Stuffing Balls: For extra crispy stuffing balls, lightly coat them in breadcrumbs before baking.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried sage to the turkey gravy sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Make-Ahead: The stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve. The gravy sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently.
• Thickening Issues: If your gravy doesn’t thicken properly, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the gravy and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Don’t have stuffing? Use seasoned breadcrumbs to create the balls. Add some sauteed celery and onion for depth of flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the turkey gravy sauce hot, ladled generously over the crispy stuffing balls. A dollop of cranberry sauce on the side adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the dish.

Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Reheat the gravy sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave both, but they may not be as crisp or creamy as when freshly made. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the potatoes and stuffing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	1500mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	25g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and plant-based milk. Ensure your stuffing is also vegetarian/vegan.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the roux and ensure your stuffing and gravy are also gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy sauce for a hint of heat.
• Herby Goodness: Experiment with different herbs in the gravy sauce, such as rosemary, sage, or marjoram.
• Different Potatoes: Swap out mashed potatoes for sweet potato mash.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of homemade stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Using a store-bought stuffing mix is a great time-saver. Just prepare it according to the package instructions.

Q: What if I don’t have any leftover gravy?
A: You can easily make gravy from scratch using pan drippings or by following a recipe online. Store-bought gravy also works well in a pinch.

Q: Can I freeze the stuffing balls for later?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the potatoes might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume them within a month.

Q: How can I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?
A: Make sure your mashed potatoes and stuffing are well-combined and not too dry. The egg helps bind the mixture together, so don’t skip it.

Q: What other sides go well with this dish?
A: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, a green bean casserole, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

This Day-After-Thanksgiving Dinner is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a celebration of resourcefulness and deliciousness! It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, turning the post-holiday slump into a culinary adventure. So, gather your leftovers, get creative in the kitchen, and create a new family favorite. And don’t forget to share your own variations and feedback – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!