Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a memorable holiday appetizer or a playful twist on classic comfort food, look no further than these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Imagine all the best parts of a festive meal rolled into golden, delicious bites packed with savory turkey, herby stuffing flavors, and bursts of tangy cranberry. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly tasty, these are sure to win over any crowd—and they’re just as wonderful for cozy family dinners as they are for potlucks or parties!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls so special is how simple—yet undeniably tasty—each ingredient is. Every component brings something to the table, whether it’s deep savory notes, fresh aroma, or a pop of color and tartness. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Ground turkey: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors, turkey is the backbone of these hearty stuffing balls.
• Bread crumbs: These give structure and a satisfying, almost stuffing-like texture while helping everything stick together.
• Cooked cranberries: Their sweet-tart juiciness provides bursts of bright flavor in every bite—don’t skip them!
• Onion: Finely chopped onion melds into the mix for a sweet undertone and extra juiciness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a gentle kick and depth that sets these apart from ordinary meatballs.
• Fresh parsley: Just a touch brings lovely color and a fresh, herby lift.
• Dried sage: This classic stuffing herb gives the dish its holiday magic—aromatic, savory, and unmistakable.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the bowl.
• Egg: A single beaten egg works as the binding agent, so your stuffing balls hold their shape beautifully.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you start mixing, get your oven heated to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready by the time you’re shaping your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, guaranteeing even cooking and a golden, appetizing finish.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, cooked cranberries, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried sage, and a generous dash of salt and pepper. This is your moment to really get hands-on—mix it all together until everything’s evenly distributed and looks like festive confetti!

Step 3: Add the Egg

Pour in the beaten egg and continue mixing until everything just comes together. The egg will help bind your stuffing balls, keeping them tender but cohesive. Don’t overmix—you want everything incorporated, but not packed too tightly.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

With clean hands (or a small scoop), shape the mixture into small, even balls—about the size of a golf ball works nicely. Place each on a greased baking sheet, giving them a little space so they can brown up evenly without steaming.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for stuffing balls that are cooked through and beautifully golden on the outside. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible—you’ll know they’re almost ready!

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls cool for just a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a platter. They’re best served warm, when the flavors are most vivid and inviting.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra cooked cranberries on top goes a long way in making your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls look stunning. For a little extra crunch, you can even add toasted nuts or a quick drizzle of cranberry glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair your stuffing balls with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp roasted vegetables, or a tangy green salad for a vibrant meal. They’re perfect as a centerpiece for a casual holiday spread, or as a delightful side to complement roast turkey or ham.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these on festive toothpicks for party appetizers, or stack them atop a pile of stuffing for a family-style dinner. For a fun twist, you could even tuck them into a slider bun with cranberry sauce for the ultimate leftover sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s a rarity!), simply store cooled Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days and are just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

These stuffing balls freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months—just be sure to thaw before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place stuffing balls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot through, about 10–15 minutes. They’ll regain their delicious texture and flavor much better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of cooked cranberries?

You can, but the juicy bursts from cooked cranberries really set Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls apart. If you only have dried cranberries, try soaking them in hot water or orange juice first to plump them up!

Is it possible to make these stuffing balls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute cooked lentils or chickpeas for the turkey, add a little extra bread crumb to help bind, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water) as your binder for a tasty plant-based option.

What kind of bread crumbs work best?

Both regular and panko bread crumbs work great here! Panko gives a lighter, crispier result, while classic bread crumbs make the stuffing balls a bit denser and more traditional in texture.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix everything together and shape the balls, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake them straight from the fridge when you’re ready—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if needed.

How can I add more flavor to the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

If you want even more flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before mixing, or tossing in extras like finely chopped celery, rosemary, or a touch of orange zest for a citrusy holiday vibe!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something joyful about making (and eating!) Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They bring all the nostalgia of the holidays in a playful, poppable format. I hope you’ll give them a try—they’re guaranteed to make any gathering a bit more delicious and a lot more memorable!

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