Weight Watchers Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction:

Transform your holiday leftovers into a flavorful and satisfying dish with these Weight Watchers Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls. This recipe is designed to repurpose leftover turkey and stuffing into delicious, low-point bites that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a light meal. By combining lean turkey with wholesome ingredients and mindful cooking techniques, you can enjoy a comforting dish while staying aligned with your Weight Watchers goals. These stuffing balls are not only a great way to reduce food waste but also a creative and health-conscious solution for utilizing your holiday leftovers.

Ingredients:

For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:

  • 2 cups leftover stuffing (homemade or store-bought, preferably low-fat or whole grain)
  • 1 cup cooked, shredded turkey breast (or leftover turkey, diced)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for moisture and binding)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Baking:

  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Optional Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

  1. Preparation:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Sauté Vegetables:
    • In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, shredded turkey, sautéed celery and onion, chopped parsley, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to combine.
  4. Season and Bind:
    • Add the egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined.
  5. Form Stuffing Balls:
    • Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If the mixture is too crumbly, you can add a bit more Greek yogurt or a small amount of chicken broth to help bind the ingredients.
  6. Bake the Stuffing Balls:
    • Lightly spray the tops of the stuffing balls with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
    • While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the dipping sauce if desired. In a small bowl, mix together the low-fat sour cream, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side if desired.
  9. Storage:
    • Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  10. Reheating Tips:
    • To reheat, place the frozen stuffing balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual balls on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Stuffing Ball, based on 16 servings):

  • Calories: 55
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 4g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

  • SmartPoints: 2 per stuffing ball (based on Blue Plan)

Additional Tips:

  • Stuffing Choices: If your leftover stuffing is particularly dry, consider adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or additional Greek yogurt to moisten it. For a more flavorful stuffing, use a homemade recipe that includes herbs and spices.
  • Turkey Alternatives: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken breast as a substitute. Simply cook the meat and shred or chop it before mixing.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté any additional vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion:

These Weight Watchers Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic way to utilize your holiday leftovers while keeping your meal planning on track. With a blend of lean turkey, wholesome stuffing, and flavorful seasonings, these stuffing balls are both nutritious and delicious. By focusing on healthy ingredients and mindful preparation, this recipe offers a satisfying and guilt-free way to enjoy your leftovers. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these stuffing balls are sure to become a favorite in your healthy eating repertoire. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the season in a smart and savvy way.