Low-Point Turkey Stuffing Balls (WW Recipe)
Looking for a delicious, Weight Watchers (WW)-friendly recipe that will help you enjoy your favorite comfort food without the guilt? This recipe for Turkey Stuffing Balls has been reworked to provide a lighter version that still packs in all the flavor of your traditional holiday meals. With ingredients like mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and a little Parmesan cheese, these Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for a healthy, filling meal that won’t derail your WW progress.
These stuffing balls are a great addition to any WW meal plan, whether you’re following the Green, Blue, or Purple plan. The combination of turkey and mashed potatoes ensures you get a protein-packed meal, while the stuffing adds the comforting, savory flavors we all love. We’ve swapped in lighter ingredients where possible to lower the SmartPoints without sacrificing taste or texture.
In this recipe, we’ve broken down the steps, shared all the necessary tips, and provided you with SmartPoint values for each plan so you can easily include this in your weekly meal rotation. Ready to make your own low-point Turkey Stuffing Balls? Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers (WW)
Traditional recipes for stuffing balls can be high in fat and calories, primarily due to the use of heavy oils, butter, and high-calorie breadcrumbs. However, this version has been optimized to fit within a Weight Watchers framework, offering you a low-calorie, high-protein alternative that’s still rich in flavor.
Here’s why this recipe is WW-approved:
- Lean Protein: By using shredded turkey, you get a good dose of lean protein without adding extra fat. Turkey is a great choice for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety.
- Lighter Substitutes: We’ve used low-fat mashed potatoes and whole wheat breadcrumbs to help reduce the overall fat and carbohydrate content of the recipe.
- High in Fiber: The stuffing provides fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.
- Lower SmartPoints: Thanks to ingredient swaps like light breadcrumbs and reduced-fat cheese, we’ve significantly cut the SmartPoints, making this recipe easier to fit into your daily points allocation.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier, more balanced version of your favorite stuffing balls without worrying about overeating or breaking your WW plan.
Ingredients for WW Low-Point Turkey Stuffing Balls
This recipe yields approximately 12 turkey stuffing balls, but you can adjust the serving size if needed. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (light version)
- You can use store-bought or homemade mashed potatoes. Just be sure to make them light by using low-fat milk, and minimal butter. Alternatively, you can use cauliflower mashed potatoes for an even lower-carb option.
- 2 cups stuffing (low-fat, whole wheat version)
- Use a low-fat stuffing mix or make your own stuffing using whole wheat bread to keep the points low. Avoid stuffing mixes with added sugars or high-fat content.
- 1 cup shredded turkey (skinless)
- Shredded, skinless turkey breast is a lean source of protein. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey from a holiday meal, or you can buy pre-cooked turkey breast if you’re in a pinch.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Opt for a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to keep the fat content lower while still achieving that cheesy, savory flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten
- The egg helps bind the ingredients together and provides protein. Use a large egg for the best texture.
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or a gluten-free alternative)
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs are a great choice for a WW-friendly recipe, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. These help give the stuffing balls structure without using excess flour or fat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Low-Point Turkey Stuffing Balls
Making these turkey stuffing balls is a simple, straightforward process. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious, WW-friendly turkey stuffing balls in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- If you’re using homemade mashed potatoes, start by boiling the potatoes until they’re soft (about 10-12 minutes). Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer. Use low-fat milk and minimal butter to keep the fat content low.
- If you’re using store-bought mashed potatoes, make sure to choose a light version to cut down on calories and SmartPoints.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing according to the package instructions. You can also make your own healthy stuffing using whole wheat bread, low-sodium broth, and minimal butter. Just toast the bread, chop it into cubes, and mix with broth and seasonings before baking.
- Once the stuffing is ready, allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, stuffing, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs, and mix everything thoroughly. Use your hands if necessary to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Form the Stuffing Balls
- Once everything is mixed, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should be able to make around 12 balls with this amount of mixture. If you’d like larger stuffing balls, you can make fewer but adjust your SmartPoints accordingly.
Step 5: Bake the Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. Place the stuffing balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between each ball to allow even cooking.
- Bake the balls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once they’re finished, remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. You can serve these as a side dish or as a main meal, depending on your preference. They’re great with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, WW-friendly dinner.
Nutritional Information for WW Low-Point Turkey Stuffing Balls (Per Serving)
Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional information per turkey stuffing ball based on 12 servings:
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Net Carbs: 8 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
SmartPoints Breakdown (WW)
The SmartPoint value will vary slightly depending on the plan you follow. Based on the ingredients used in this recipe, here is the breakdown of SmartPoints:
- Green Plan: 3 SmartPoints per serving (1 ball)
- Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints per serving (1 ball)
- Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints per serving (1 ball)
These are the WW SmartPoint values for 1 serving (1 turkey stuffing ball). If you adjust the size of the balls, the SmartPoints will change accordingly.
Helpful Tips and Substitutions
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This is a great way to save time if you’re meal prepping for the week.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, and use gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Leftover Turkey: These turkey stuffing balls are perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or other holiday meals. Just shred the turkey and incorporate it into the mixture as you would in the recipe.
- Crispy Texture: If you prefer a crispier texture on the outside of your turkey stuffing balls, try broiling them for 1-2 minutes after baking. This will give them a golden, crispy crust while maintaining the soft, tender inside.
Conclusion
These WW Low-Point Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great way to enjoy a comfort food classic without compromising your weight loss goals. Packed with lean protein, savory stuffing, and the satisfying taste of Parmesan cheese, these turkey stuffing balls make a perfect meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re following the Green, Blue, or Purple plan, these healthy, flavorful stuffing balls fit seamlessly into your WW routine, offering a filling meal at a low SmartPoint cost. Enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or even a main course for a satisfying, low-point option that the whole family will love.
So next time you’re craving a comforting dish, give these turkey stuffing balls a try — they’re sure to become a staple in your WW meal plan!