Introduction
The holidays are over, and you’re left with leftover turkey and stuffing. But instead of throwing them away or simply reheating them in the microwave, why not transform these leftovers into a delicious, Weight Watchers (WW)-friendly meal? WW Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution for using up those holiday leftovers while staying on track with your health goals. These bite-sized turkey and stuffing balls are baked to golden perfection and make for a satisfying meal or snack.
Packed with lean turkey, whole grains, and the comforting flavors of stuffing, these turkey balls are both flavorful and filling. With just the right balance of protein, vegetables, and seasoning, they make an excellent option for a high-protein, low-calorie meal. Additionally, they’re versatile, so you can modify them according to what you have on hand, making them a great way to use up any leftover ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, or simply want a tasty snack to enjoy throughout the week, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to please everyone at the table.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making these WW-friendly turkey stuffing balls: from the ingredients, nutritional breakdown, and smart point calculations to step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Whether you are preparing these as part of your meal prep routine or serving them for dinner, you’ll find this recipe is not only practical but also low in SmartPoints, making it the ideal solution for your WW plan.
Ingredients
To prepare WW Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients. These ingredients are simple, common items that you likely have on hand, especially after a holiday meal, making them a perfect recipe for utilizing leftovers.
For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 2 cups leftover stuffing (preferably whole grain or low-fat stuffing for a healthier option)
- 1 large egg (to help bind the ingredients together)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture and a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for moisture and binding)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Leftovers
Before starting the recipe, ensure your leftover turkey is finely shredded or chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. If your stuffing contains larger chunks of vegetables or bread, consider breaking it up into smaller pieces. The goal is to create a uniform texture for the turkey stuffing balls, so it holds together when formed.
If your stuffing is very dry, you may need to add a little bit of moisture in the form of chicken broth or applesauce to help bind the ingredients together and prevent the balls from being too crumbly.
2. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the turkey stuffing balls from sticking. This also makes cleanup much easier!
3. Combining the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, egg, Parmesan cheese (if using), applesauce, olive oil, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper). Mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon or your hands. If the mixture seems too dry or difficult to bind, you can add a little bit more applesauce or olive oil to reach the desired consistency.
4. Forming the Turkey Stuffing Balls
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the balls. Scoop out about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the turkey-stuffing mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Depending on how large you make the balls, this recipe should yield about 20-24 turkey stuffing balls.
If you’d like to make mini versions, you can reduce the size of the balls and bake them for a shorter time. If you prefer larger portions, make the balls slightly bigger, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. Baking the Turkey Stuffing Balls
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the turkey stuffing balls for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of one of the balls—it should register at least 165°F (74°C). If the balls are not quite golden by the time they reach the right temperature, let them bake for a few extra minutes.
6. Making the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
While the turkey stuffing balls are baking, you can prepare the optional dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This tangy sauce complements the savory flavors of the turkey stuffing balls and adds a creamy texture for dipping.
7. Serving the Turkey Stuffing Balls
Once the turkey stuffing balls are baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the turkey balls warm, accompanied by the dipping sauce if desired. These turkey stuffing balls make a great meal on their own or can be served alongside a side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
They also make excellent snacks or appetizers, perfect for parties or potlucks. If you’re preparing them for meal prep, store the cooked turkey balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months).
8. Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftover turkey stuffing balls, reheating them is easy. Simply place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe makes approximately 20-24 turkey stuffing balls, depending on the size. Below is the estimated nutritional breakdown for 1 turkey stuffing ball (using 24 balls per batch):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Net Carbs: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Weight Watchers SmartPoints
For the WW Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls, the SmartPoints are as follows:
- SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Purple): 2 SmartPoints per turkey stuffing ball (without dipping sauce)
- SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Purple): 3 SmartPoints per turkey stuffing ball (with dipping sauce)
Tips for Making Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
1. Use Lean Turkey
For a lower-fat option, use lean or extra-lean ground turkey, which will keep the SmartPoints low without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a juicier turkey ball, you can mix in a small amount of ground chicken or even turkey sausage.
2. Enhancing the Flavor
Feel free to add other seasonings to the turkey stuffing mixture to suit your preferences. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme can add a fresh burst of flavor. You can also use a little bit of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
3. Moisture is Key
One of the challenges with using leftover stuffing is that it can often be too dry. Adding applesauce or a little extra olive oil helps keep the turkey stuffing balls moist and tender. If you don’t want to use applesauce, you can also use unsweetened tomato sauce or a little chicken broth.
4. Make Them Kid-Friendly
If you’re serving these to children, consider adding mild seasonings like Italian seasoning or a touch of honey mustard in the dipping sauce to appeal to their taste buds. You can also make smaller-sized turkey balls for little hands.
5. Freezing for Meal Prep
These turkey stuffing balls freeze well, so they’re a great option for meal prepping. After baking and cooling the turkey balls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and reheat when needed.
6. Crispier Texture
If you prefer your turkey stuffing balls to have a crispy exterior, you can give them a light coating of breadcrumbs or panko before baking. Just keep in mind that this will add additional carbs, so make sure to account for them if you’re tracking your SmartPoints.
Final Thoughts
WW Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers while keeping your meals in line with your Weight Watchers goals. They’re easy to prepare, delicious, and full of protein, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish. With only 2 SmartPoints per ball, they’re a guilt-free option for those who want to enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising their health goals. By adjusting the recipe to your taste and using leaner ingredients, these turkey balls can fit seamlessly into a variety of dietary preferences and meal plans.
So next time you find yourself with leftover turkey and stuffing, don’t throw them away—turn them into these tasty, healthy turkey stuffing balls that everyone will love!