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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

4.9 from 25 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the Turkey: Incorporate the cooked turkey into the stuffing mixture, folding it in carefully to maintain the mixture’s texture.
  4. Moisten the Mixture: Gradually add chicken broth to the mixture to moisten the stuffing until it holds together well but is not too wet.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
  8. 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

Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing, festive side dish, Thanksgiving recipes, easy stuffing balls