Cranberry 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.
- Author: lina
- 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
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
- 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