Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Here’s a dish that’s bound to become a festive favorite: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Imagine all your favorite holiday flavors—savory ground turkey, vibrant bursts of fresh cranberries, gentle herby notes, and a golden, tender crunch—rolled into irresistible bite-sized morsels. Whether you’re hosting a celebratory feast or looking for a creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, these stuffing balls effortlessly bring comfort to any table and never fail to draw rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is how a handful of simple ingredients, working in harmony, transforms into something irresistibly festive. Each ingredient has its role—texture, tang, moisture, or warmth—so don’t skip a thing!

• Ground turkey – 1 lb: Lean and hearty, this forms the savory base of your stuffing balls and keeps them protein-packed.
• Fresh cranberries – 1 cup: Their tartness adds bright pops of flavor and a stunning color contrast in every bite.
• Breadcrumbs – 1 cup: These bind everything together, giving the balls their appealing tender-crisp structure.
• Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium: Sweetens up the mix and lends aromatic depth as it bakes.
• Celery, finely chopped – 1 stalk: Adds fresh crunch and a classic stuffing note that ties the dish together.
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves: Enhances the savory backbone and gives off an irresistible aroma.
• Sage, dried – 1 tsp: Essential for that traditional stuffing flavor—earthy and comforting.
• Thyme, dried – 1 tsp: Brings fragrant, woodsy layers that blend beautifully with turkey and cranberries.
• Salt – 1 tsp: Makes all those flavors sing—don’t skimp here!
• Pepper – ½ tsp: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and balance.
• Eggs – 2 large: Act as the key binding agent, ensuring your stuffing balls stay intact while baking.
• Chicken broth – ½ cup: Moistens the mixture, keeping everything juicy and flavorful.
• Olive oil – for drizzling: A quick drizzle helps the balls crisp up to gorgeous golden brown perfection.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your oven a head start ensures the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bake evenly and beautifully brown on the outside while staying moist inside. A hot oven is key for that irresistible golden finish!

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. You want everything well mixed so each ball bursts with festive color and balanced flavor. At this stage, you can sprinkle in a little extra of your favorite holiday herbs if the mood strikes!

Step 3: Add the Turkey

Add your ground turkey to the stuffing mix, using clean hands or a sturdy spoon to thoroughly incorporate it. Add eggs and pour in the chicken broth—these ingredients are your secret weapons for juicy, tender stuffing balls that stay together without being dry.

Step 4: Form the Balls

It’s time to get a little hands-on! Scoop up about a tablespoon and a half of the mixture, then gently roll it into a ball roughly 1 to 1½ inches wide. Pro tip: if the mixture is sticky, wet your hands lightly with water for effortless rolling and neat, compact stuffing balls.

Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of oil. Space the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls evenly so the hot air circulates and each one gets golden all over. A quick drizzle of olive oil over the top before baking is your secret to that appealing, lightly crisped finish!

Step 6: Bake

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Peek through the oven window to watch them firm up and turn a tempting golden brown. The aroma at this stage will have everyone counting down the minutes until they hit the table!

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, let the stuffing balls rest for a few minutes on the sheet—this helps them finish setting up (and saves your fingertips from a hot surprise). Pile them onto a platter, and let the compliments roll in!

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

For a fresh flourish, scatter a handful of chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the top, or add some extra whole cranberries to the plate for a pop of color. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right before serving can give the stuffing balls a chef-worthy touch!

Side Dishes

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls need little more than a dipping sauce or a drizzle of homemade gravy, but they also shine next to roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a bright winter salad. If you’re serving as part of a holiday spread, they’ll compliment nearly any classic side beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these festive bites into show-stopping appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks and serving on a platter with mini ramekins of cranberry chutney or gravy for dipping. For a main dish twist, nestle them atop a bed of wilted greens, arrange them along a grazing board, or even tuck them into a sandwich for a playful leftovers remix!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few extra Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls after your meal? Lucky you! Pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully and make terrific next-day snacks or lunchbox surprises.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or have more than you can eat in a few days, these stuffing balls are ideal for freezing. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container—this keeps them from sticking together. They’ll keep fresh flavors for up to two months.

Reheating

To get that “just-baked” taste and texture, reheat the stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Pop them on a baking sheet to restore their crisp exterior—microwaving works in a pinch but the oven’s your best bet for reviving their magic.

FAQs

Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just form and bake the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls when you’re ready to impress your guests with warm, freshly baked bites.

What can I substitute for bread in the stuffing balls?

If you’re avoiding bread, gluten-free breadcrumbs or even cooked quinoa work well to bind the mixture. They’ll change the texture a bit but keep the festive flavors—and make the dish accessible for everyone at your table.

How do I store leftover stuffing balls?

Store any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days and can be perked up in the oven whenever you’re ready to snack again.

Can I freeze stuffing balls?

Yes, freezing is a breeze. Freeze the balls in a single layer, then keep them packed in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready, just reheat straight from the freezer—no thawing needed.

What variations can I try with stuffing balls?

Get creative! Swap in your favorite herbs or veggies, add nuts for crunch, or sprinkle in dried fruits other than cranberries for extra pops of sweetness. This recipe is a canvas for your holiday inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, you’ll love bringing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to your next gathering. They’re festive, flavorful, and so easy to make—you might want to double the batch, because they always disappear fast! Give them a try and watch them become a new holiday tradition in your home.

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