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If you’ve ever stared at a container of leftover stuffing wondering what to do with it — this is your sign to make Cheesy Stuffing Balls. These little bites are everything you love about Thanksgiving stuffing: herby, savory, and comforting, but now they’re crispy and portable, too.
I whipped up a batch of these the day after Thanksgiving last year and we barely made it to lunch. Warm, golden on the outside, gooey with cheese in the middle — they were gone in minutes. Bonus: they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up leftovers.
The air fryer gives them that irresistible crisp without needing extra oil. And once you dip them in cranberry sauce? Pure holiday magic. Honestly, I’d make stuffing just to have these again.
They’re ready in about 15 minutes and work as a snack, appetizer, or party bite. Let’s turn those leftovers into something epic!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these cheesy stuffing bites:
- Leftover Stuffing: Any kind works — sausage, cornbread, traditional. Just make sure it’s cold and firm enough to shape.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever melty cheese you love. It adds gooey texture and extra flavor.
- Egg: Helps everything bind together into a scoopable, rollable mixture.
- Breadcrumbs: Just a touch to firm up the mix and help the outside crisp up.
Optional add-ins: chopped herbs, cooked bacon, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flair.
Pro Tip: If your stuffing is too soft, add a few more breadcrumbs until it holds shape when rolled.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix It All Together: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of leftover stuffing, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1 egg, and 2 tbsp breadcrumbs.
- Shape Into Balls: Roll into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Chill for 5–10 minutes if mixture feels sticky.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set it to 350°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Air Fry (Part 1): Lightly spray the basket and arrange the balls in a single layer. Air fry for 5 minutes.
- Turn and Finish: Turn the balls or shake the basket, then air fry another 5 minutes until golden and heated through.
Pro Tip: Spray lightly with oil before air frying for deeper golden color and extra crunch.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using stuffing that’s too wet or loose to hold shape
- Skipping the egg (they won’t bind properly)
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket
- Not turning them halfway through
- Forgetting the dip — cranberry or gravy is a must!
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Kid-Friendly: Use mild cheddar and serve with ketchup or gravy for dipping.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your stuffing is GF.
- Vegetarian: Use veggie-based stuffing and skip any meat mix-ins.
- Crispy: Roll the balls in extra breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
- Comfort Food: Mix in chopped turkey or sausage and dip in warm gravy.
You can also toss in diced apple, dried cranberries, or rosemary for a festive twist.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
These stuffing balls are great for prepping ahead:
- Make Ahead: Roll the balls and chill in the fridge until ready to cook (up to 24 hours).
- Fridge: Store cooked bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
These bites are a clever way to use leftovers, and easy to make vegetarian or gluten-free. Cheesy, satisfying, and full of flavor!
Cheesy Stuffing Balls (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine stuffing, cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Roll into small balls.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Air fry for 5 minutes.
- Turn and cook another 5 minutes
Notes
- If mixture is too soft, add more breadcrumbs.
- Chill briefly if needed before rolling.
- Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy.
These cheesy stuffing balls might just be the best part of Thanksgiving leftovers. Crispy, cozy, and totally poppable — what’s not to love? Let me know how yours turn out, and tag me if you create your own twist. Want more air fryer holiday ideas? Check out my air fryer Brussels sprouts — they’re crispy, caramelized, and totally craveable!
