Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the perfect bite-sized twist on a holiday classic, combining savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and aromatic herbs into a delightful appetizer or side dish.
These golden, crispy balls are packed with festive flavors and are easy to make, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a creative way to use leftovers, this recipe will elevate your table with its irresistible taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive and Flavorful: The combination of juicy turkey, tart cranberries, and savory stuffing creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with a side salad.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Leftovers: Use up leftover turkey and stuffing from holiday meals.
Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized balls are ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with substitutions or variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground turkey
4 cups day-old bread, cubed (or store-bought stuffing mix)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add diced celery and onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, bread cubes, chopped cranberries, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the beaten egg, chicken broth, and remaining melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are evenly moistened but not soggy. If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of broth.
Shape the Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 2 tbsp each). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for the turkey).
Serve: Let the stuffing balls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents the balls from becoming too soggy.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
Check Consistency: The mixture should hold together when shaped but not be overly wet. Adjust with more broth or breadcrumbs as needed.
Make Uniform Balls: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes, ensuring even cooking.
Add a Crunch: For extra texture, roll the balls in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta, 2 tbsp chopped olives, and 1 tsp oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor.
Apple and Walnut: Replace cranberries with diced apples and add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for a sweet, nutty crunch.
Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/2 tsp chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for gooey, melty centers.
Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Swap with ground chicken or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Cranberries: Use raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots for a different sweetness.
Bread: Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornbread for dietary needs.
Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or marjoram can replace sage or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer: Serve with a side of cranberry sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping.
As a Side Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete holiday meal.
With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Main Course: Make larger stuffing balls and serve with a hearty gravy and a side of roasted root vegetables.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Shape and bake when ready to serve.
Alternatively, shape the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Storing
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked or baked stuffing balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes (add 5-10 minutes if unbaked).
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
A: Yes! Replace the bread cubes and seasonings with 4 cups of prepared stuffing. Adjust the broth as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Q: How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
A: Ensure the mixture is moist but not soggy, and use the egg as a binder. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping can also help.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of turkey and chicken broth.
Q: What dipping sauces pair well with these?
A: Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, garlic aioli, or a tangy mustard dip are great options.
Q: Can I air-fry these stuffing balls?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 360°F (182°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a delicious, versatile, and festive addition to any holiday table.
With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and bursts of tangy cranberry flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable, making it perfect for dietary preferences or creative twists.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, these stuffing balls will add a touch of holiday magic to your meal.
Try them for your next gathering, and watch them disappear fast!
Read More:- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 cups day-old bread cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 cup celery finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté celery and onion for 5-7 minutes until soft. Cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix turkey, bread cubes, cranberries, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add egg, broth, and remaining butter. Mix until moistened.
- Shape into 1.5-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving with cranberry sauce or gravy.
