Use it up! This is the perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe!
Can we just talk about the fridge situation after Thanksgiving? I mean, we all know the holiday itself is amazing—the food, the family, the memories—but the day after? That’s when you open the fridge and it feels like you’re staring into a Tupperware jungle. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, you name it… all piled high, and you’re wondering how in the world you’re going to get through it all before it goes bad.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love me a good leftover turkey sandwich, but sometimes you just need to mix it up. That’s where these little gems come in—Bite-Sized Thanksgiving Leftover Balls. Y’all, they’re basically comfort food meets finger food, and they’re so fun and easy to make. You just roll up all that holiday goodness into these perfect little bites, pop them in the oven (or air fryer if you’re feeling fancy), and boom—you’ve got yourself a whole new meal that feels exciting again.
I promise you, these aren’t just a way to clean out the fridge—they’re the kind of snack that makes the family hover around the kitchen waiting for the tray to come out. Perfect for game day munchies, easy lunches, or just keeping those holiday vibes going a little longer without everyone groaning, “turkey again?”
So grab that leftover stash, friend, and let’s roll up some magic. Because around here, we’re not letting one bite of that Thanksgiving goodness go to waste—and trust me, these little bite-sized balls will disappear faster than the pumpkin pie did on Thanksgiving night.
Ingredients for Bite Sized Balls: A Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe
How to make this Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe: ingredients you need!
1 cup cooked turkey, diced into bite-size pieces
4 cups prepared stuffing (boxed or leftover)
1 cup mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Turkey gravy or cranberry sauce (for serving)
Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Bite Sized Balls: A Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe
How to make this Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe : a step by step guide
Form mashed potato balls: Scoop mashed potatoes into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 10 minutes, just until firm.
Mix stuffing & turkey: In a large bowl, combine diced turkey and stuffing until well mixed.
Wrap mashed potato balls: Take a small handful of the turkey-stuffing mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a chilled mashed potato ball in the center and gently wrap the stuffing mixture around it, sealing it into a ball.
Prepare coating: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Roll each ball in the mixture until fully coated.
Fry until golden: Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Enjoy hot with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping
Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe: SIDE IDEA
These little bite sized ball have all the sides mixed in, but we love to serve with gravy and cranberry sauce for dipping options!
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
These are best served hot!
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Mama, If you give this Thanksgiving Leftover recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.
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More Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
If you love this Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe, be sure to check out these other easy Thanksgiving recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
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Bite size balls: A Thanksgiving leftover recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey diced into bite-size pieces
- 4 cups prepared stuffing boxed or leftover
- 1 cup mashed potatoes leftover or freshly made
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for serving
Instructions
Form mashed potato balls:
- Scoop mashed potatoes into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 10 minutes, just until firm.
Mix stuffing & turkey:
- In a large bowl, combine diced turkey and stuffing until well mixed.
Wrap mashed potato balls:
- Take a small handful of the turkey-stuffing mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a chilled mashed potato ball in the center and gently wrap the stuffing mixture around it, sealing it into a ball.
Prepare coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Roll each ball in the mixture until fully coated.
Fry until golden:
- Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Enjoy hot with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping
Video
Nutrition
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