Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re looking to add a festive, flavorful twist to your holiday table, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an absolute must-try. They capture all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic stuffing, but in perfectly bite-sized spheres that are easy to serve and even easier to love. Tart cranberries mingle with tender turkey and seasoned bread crumbs to create a harmonious blend that’s bursting with texture and taste. Whether as an appetizer or a unique side dish, these stuffing balls bring a pop of color and mouthwatering charm that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of any good dish, and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are no exception. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory turkey adding protein and moisture, to the cranberries offering that gorgeous pop of tartness and vibrant color.
- Stuffing mix: The base that holds everything together, providing that classic breaded texture and flavor.
- Dried cranberries: These add a subtle tartness and natural sweetness, brightening the entire dish.
- Cooked turkey: Tender and flavorful, bringing a hearty, meaty element that makes these balls so satisfying.
- Seasonings (e.g., sage, thyme, salt, pepper): Essential for elevating the flavors and creating that warm, inviting aroma.
- Butter or oil for greasing: To ensure the balls bake evenly without sticking, giving them a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by getting that oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is key to achieving perfectly baked stuffing balls with a crispy outside and moist inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large bowl, toss together your stuffing mix and the dried cranberries. This is also the perfect moment to sprinkle in your your seasonings. Mixing these well at this stage helps ensure every bite delivers that wonderful blend of savory and tart.
Step 3: Add the Turkey
Fold in the cooked turkey so it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The turkey adds body and heartiness, soaking into the bread to keep everything tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Form the Balls
Now comes the fun part: using your hands (dampened slightly to prevent sticking), roll the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch balls. This size is perfect for even cooking and makes them easy, crowd-pleasing finger food.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Grease your baking sheet lightly or line it with parchment paper, then space out your formed balls evenly. Giving them room helps them bake up crisp on the outside without steaming.
Step 6: Bake
Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are heated all the way through. The aroma at this point will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls rest a few minutes so they firm up slightly before serving. This little wait makes them even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Think fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to sprinkle on top just before serving. Not only do these add color, but they bring a fresh, bright note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the stuffing balls. A drizzle of warm gravy or a smear of cranberry sauce on the side can take these bites to the next flavor level.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls shine alongside classic holiday veggies such as roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots. You can also balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The variety of textures and flavors will elevate your entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy snacking at a party, or arrange them around roasted turkey slices for a stunning centerpiece platter. For a casual dinner, pile them in a decorative bowl alongside dipping sauces, letting guests customize their bites. Presentation can be simple or festive depending on your occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Keep your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain flavorful and moist when stored properly.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and you can enjoy them later without sacrificing taste or texture. Freezing is perfect for preparing ahead of time or saving extra batches.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This method keeps their crisp exterior intact while warming the inside evenly, bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix everything up and store the mixture in your fridge, then form and bake the balls just before serving. This helps streamline your cooking on the big day.
What can I substitute for bread in the stuffing balls?
If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread crumbs or even cooked quinoa for a unique texture with the same binding effect.
How do I store leftover stuffing balls?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste and texture, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Yes! Freeze them individually first on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to thaw just what you need.
What variations can I try with stuffing balls?
Feel free to customize by adding fresh herbs, diced veggies, or even bits of cooked sausage. You might also try adding cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup after baking for a sweet-savory twist.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls enough for your next holiday meal or cozy family dinner. They bring a festive flair with familiar flavors that everyone will love. Once you try them, I bet they’ll become a beloved staple during the holiday season and beyond!
PrintCranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive and flavorful twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory cooked turkey with tart cranberries and seasoned bread mix, formed into bite-sized balls and baked until golden. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these stuffing balls offer a deliciously balanced texture and taste ideal for holiday celebrations and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or as needed
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced celery (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, dried cranberries, melted butter, diced onion, celery, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Turkey: Incorporate the cooked turkey into the stuffing mixture, folding it in carefully to maintain the mixture’s texture.
- Moisten the Mixture: Gradually add chicken broth to the mixture to moisten the stuffing until it holds together well but is not too wet.
- Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and take small handfuls of the mixture, rolling them into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the formed stuffing balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them evenly to allow air circulation for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious when served warm and can be paired with gravy or a dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, or incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Stuffing balls freeze well. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with your favorite gravy, cranberry sauce, or a dipping sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing, festive side dish, Thanksgiving recipes, easy stuffing balls
