Crispy Stuffing Bites

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If you’re reading this between turkey basting, packing up the car, or stealing a moment of peace in a very chaotic day—thank you for being here.

And if you are in the middle of a stressful moment, taking even 10–15 minutes to center yourself is a total game changer.

A Hosting Tip That Sounds Nuts (But Saves Me Every Time)

When I host, I schedule my shower—yes, really. I used to jump straight into prep mode the second my eyes opened, and before I knew it, guests were pulling into the driveway while I was still running around like a stressed-out kitchen gremlin.
That is not the Martha Stewart moment I had in mind.

So now I shower two hours before guests arrive. I front-load the prep, get ready, and still have time for final details. It sets the tone for the whole day.

After Thanksgiving, we go into what I lovingly call “creative fridge foraging mode.”
Leftovers, Chinese takeout, freezer finds—you name it.

This week’s featured recipe is actually a fun way to use up what’s left on the holiday table: Crispy Stuffing Bites with a Cranberry Dipping Sauce. Roll them up, fry them up, and snack on them while watching Christmas movies this weekend.

Looking for more leftover inspiration?

• Mashed potatoes + roasted veggies → Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

• Tired of turkey? Turn your charcuterie board leftovers into the best panini ever—melted cheese, leftover meats, a quick olive tapenade… heaven.

• One more slice of pie calling your name? Try blending the filling into a smoothie. I have turned the inside of a pumpkin pie into a protein shake—maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla Greek yogurt. Don’t knock it til’ you try it!

Crispy Stuffing Bites

ingredients

• 2 cups of leftover stuffing
  1 egg

• 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  2 tsp orange zest
  1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  1/2 tsp fresh thyme
  1 cup panko bread crumbs
  ½ cup olive oil
  
  

instructions

1.   Add one egg to a large bowl, beat it. Add the leftover stuffing, cheeses, rosemary, and orange zest. Gently mix until we’ll combined.
   
   2. Form balls with the stuffing mixture , about one inch in diameter. I used a small ice cream scoop to help me, about a tablespoon and half of the mixture
   
   3. In a sauté pan with high sides or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil.
   
   4. Dredge the stuffing balls in the breadcrumbs until coated all the way around.
   
   5. Fry each ball until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Let drain on a paper towel, serve with dipping sauce below!

   Sauce:

   Whisk together 1/4 cup mayo, 3 tbsp cranberry sauce, and dash of chipotle (or hot sauce).

   RECIPE NOTES:

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