Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (2024)

This post is sponsored by the Ohio Poultry Association but all opinions are my own.

Combine your Thanksgiving leftovers into one delicious bite. Throw together leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey with a few extra ingredients, coat in panko bread crumbs for these Leftover Thanksgiving Balls.

There are many things I love about the annual “Day of Thanks” (AKA Thanksgiving).

I love gathering with family, I love the delicious food, and I love Black Friday. But there are a lot of things I don’t like about Thanksgiving like washing dishes, cleaning up after guests, and finding space in my refrigerator for all those damn leftovers that stay in my refrigerator for days. We try to eat as much food in our refrigerator and freezer weeks before Thanksgiving to get the refrigerator as bare as possible so we have no issues storing our leftovers. It never works, but we try.

This year, instead of throwing food away, I am going to take some of those leftovers, roll them into a ball, fry them up, and have them as a snack. This should help us get rid of more food. No wonder why my Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipes are so popular!

I mentioned in a previous post of myVanilla Bean Macarons with Vanilla Bean Fillinghow I learned a ton of information about eggs and their value and importance to our daily diet. Eggs are high in protein, Omega-3’s, and other vitamins and nutrients. Not to mention, I also tried many dishes where eggs played the leading role or supporting agent to a dish. My mind is still blown by the many ways we can use eggs and how delicious they actually are.

The importance of eggs

I mentioned in a previous post of my Vanilla Bean Macarons with Vanilla Bean Filling how I learned a ton of information about eggs and their value and importance to our daily diet. Eggs are high in protein, Omega-3’s, and other vitamins and nutrients. Not to mention, I also tried many dishes where eggs played the leading role or supporting agent to a dish. My mind is still blown by the many ways we can use eggs and how delicious they actually are. Eggs can be the main and, arguably, the most important ingredients in a dish like Eggs Benedict or the important supporting ingredient in macarons. If you think about it, in just about anything we eat as far as baked goods and other amazing dishes, eggs play an important role. In this recipe for my Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe, eggs play a very important supportive agent.

Eggs can be the main and, arguably, the most important ingredients in a dish like Eggs Benedict or the important supporting ingredient in macarons. If you think about it, in just about anything we eat as far as baked goods and other amazing dishes, eggs play an important role. In this recipe for my Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe, using a large egg plays a very important supportive agent.

How to make these Leftover Thanksgiving Balls

This Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe is made using the following Thanksgiving leftovers side dishes:

  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Stuffing
  • Leftover Turkey

I added some green onion, fresh parsley, and cheese to the mixture for flavor and fun. If that doesn’t excite you know that these balls are coated with panko bread crumbs that leave a delicious crunchy exterior. The eggs are necessary because they help to bring all the ingredients together and stay together. You see, eggs are the glue to food harmony. Making these Leftover Thanksgiving Balls are super easy and take no time to put together. So with your overwhelming amount of leftovers, you have one of two options. You can throw away food or make the most out of the time and effort you put into making those mashed potatoes and stuffing and make these Leftover Thanksgiving Balls that will have you loving leftovers.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I add cranberries to this recipe?

You can. If you want some contrast to the recipe by adding a bit of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon and a half of cranberry sauce. I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried this suggestion, but I will the next time I made these leftover turkey balls.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yep. Again, I’ll be honest, I never tried this method but I can’t imagine it being an issue. I would spray the balls with non-stick spray before cooking to get a nice crispy exterior.

If you like recipes like this, you will like the ones below:

  • How to Deep Fry a Turkey
  • Quick and Easy Homemade Gravy
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes
  • Cornbread Stuffing
  • Apple and Bacon Herb Stuffing

Print

Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (6)

Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Nicole Nared-Washington from Brown Sugar Food Blog
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 32 1x
Print Recipe

Description

These leftover Thanksgiving Balls are made using leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, cheese, and turkey! Coat in panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 3 c. cooked mashed potatoes
  • 1 1/2 c. cooked stuffing
  • 3 eggs.
  • 1/4 c. diced green onion
  • 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 c. cooked turkey, chopped
  • 1 tsp. Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Red pepper
  • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 c. panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, eggs, green onion, sharp cheddar cheese, turkey black pepper, red pepper and garlic powder. Use your hands to combine all ingredients. Use a cookie scooper and make balls, roll into a round ball. Pour the panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil to 350 Degrees in a deep fryer. Coat the balls with panko crumbs. Fry for 5-7 minutes until the balls are golden brown. Use a mesh spoon strainer and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Sere while warm
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Appetiser
  • Method: Deep Dry
  • Cuisine: American
Leftover Thanksgiving Balls Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is made from Thanksgiving leftovers? ›

Instead, try turning your leftovers into a casserole, like our turkey divan, our chicken stuffing casserole, or our turkey pot pie; a soup, like our turkey noodle soup, our leftover turkey & wild rice soup, or our homemade turkey stock (made from your turkey carcass); or something lighter or more flavorful than before, ...

What should you do with leftovers from Thanksgiving that has sat out for longer than 2 hours? ›

If foods have been left out for more than two hours, discard items to prevent foodborne illness.

How do you deal with leftovers on Thanksgiving? ›

The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

Why are Thanksgiving leftovers better? ›

On Thanksgiving Day, there are a lot of aromas happening because there's a lot of cooking going on, but when you're heating leftovers, it's only what you're heating. And that is pretty concentrated, it's nostalgic and it takes you back to a lovely place and the food usually delivers.

What is the day after Thanksgiving usually called? ›

Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, has evolved into one of the busiest shopping days in the United States. Contrary to popular belief that the term originated from businesses going from "in the red" to "in the black" in profits after Thanksgiving, it actually traces back to 1960s Philadelphia.

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for leftovers? ›

Non-profit organisation Love Food, Hate Waste recommends the 2:2:2 rule. Two hours to get them in the fridge. Two days to eat them once they're in there. Or freeze them for up to two months.

Can you eat leftover turkey after 5 days? ›

Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days. Another option is freezing the cooked turkey. Turkey can last up to four more months if frozen.

How many days do people eat Thanksgiving leftovers? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends throwing out refrigerated leftovers after three to four days. If foods are kept in the freezer, they can usually still be consumed for three to four months.

What percentage of people prefer Thanksgiving leftovers? ›

Apparently I'm in the minority, as this poll reported that 80 percent of Americans prefer the leftover version.

How do you not eat too much on Thanksgiving? ›

Here's what you can do to avoid overeating this holiday season:
  1. Plan and prepare for the occasion. Some people expect to overeat, so they skip meals beforehand, “saving” their calories. ...
  2. Opt for healthful and nutritious foods. ...
  3. Be more mindful. ...
  4. Adopt healthy habits. ...
  5. Remember why you're celebrating the holiday.
Nov 15, 2022

What do people do after Thanksgiving dinner? ›

7 Fun Things to Do After Thanksgiving
  • Host a game night. Ask guests to bring their favorite board game. ...
  • Head outdoors. ...
  • Create a family scrapbook. ...
  • Write thankful letters. ...
  • Decorate for the holidays. ...
  • Volunteer together. ...
  • Organize a talent show.

Why do people eat at 3 on Thanksgiving? ›

Why Is Thanksgiving Dinner So Early? There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.

Why should people eat chicken instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

It's Easier

I cannot emphasis how much easier cooking a chicken is than cooking a turkey. With turkey you need a bigger pan, more seasoning, more time to thaw, more time to brine, more time to roast, and more time to contemplate all your life choices while it's in the oven. Chicken is the easy, uncomplicated choice.

Why do people overeat on Thanksgiving? ›

The main reason that people eat so much on this holiday is that they are out of their normal routine. When the routine goes out the window, anything goes. Stress usually accompanies holidays because of the expense, the traveling and sometimes because of the company.

What foods make great leftovers? ›

  • Meatloaf. Though meatloaf is often restricted to the weeknight dinner table, it is a powerhouse leftover. ...
  • Lasagna. Sure, there's nothing better than lasagna coming out of the oven hot with bubbling cheese. ...
  • Pulled Pork. ...
  • Beef Stew. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Frittatas, Quiches and Tarts.

What invention was the result of Thanksgiving leftovers? ›

TV dinners were invented thanks to Thanksgiving leftovers, and 22 other delicious Thanksgiving food facts.

What are 3 foods that are eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries.

What can I have for Thanksgiving dinner besides turkey? ›

So go ahead and shake things up this Thanksgiving with one of these flavorful alternatives to cooking up a whole bird this year, like mushroom, Gruyère, & spinach-stuffed pork tenderloin, vegan mushroom pot pie, or a juicy prime rib.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5378

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.