Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
If you’re searching for a holiday dish that’s equal parts festive and irresistible, look no further than Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. Imagine all the best flavors of Thanksgiving—tender turkey, savory stuffing, and pops of tart cranberry—rolled into golden, bite-sized balls. They’re perfectly seasoned, easy to make ahead, and versatile enough for appetizers, sides, or even as a fun main dish twist. Every bite bursts with nostalgia and celebration, making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls a must-have for your holiday spread or any cozy gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few pantry staples and holiday classics come together to create a dish that’s big on comfort and flavor. Each ingredient in Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls plays a starring role, building layers of taste, texture, and gorgeous jewel-like color in every bite.
- Ground Turkey: The lean base that picks up all the festive flavors—choose dark or white meat, but dark keeps things extra juicy.
- Prepared Stuffing: Whether it’s grandma’s recipe or a store-bought shortcut, this brings herby, moist, crave-worthy texture to every ball.
- Dried Cranberries: For pops of chewy tart-sweetness that balance the savory elements and look lovely in the final dish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty umami and helps bind everything together; can be omitted for dairy-free diets.
- Large Egg: The essential binder—holds each ball together so they stay moist and tender.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright herbal flavor and a pop of green color for freshness.
- Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle savory background note that enhances every bite.
- Onion Powder: A classic seasoning for stuffing, bringing warmth and depth.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, this herb is a Thanksgiving staple.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo—add to taste to make sure every flavor sings.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (for brushing): Creates that beautiful golden exterior as the balls bake, making them irresistible.
How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep Your Tools
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this keeps clean-up easy and ensures the stuffing balls get a golden crust without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Grab your largest mixing bowl and add the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently combine—don’t overmix, or the balls could become dense. You want to see bits of cranberry and flecks of herbs throughout.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Scoop out golf ball–sized portions (about 16 to 18 in total) and roll them gently between your palms to form sturdy but tender balls. Arrange them evenly on your parchment-lined sheet—leave a little space so they brown all over.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each stuffing ball with olive oil or melted butter—this step is key for a beautifully golden finish. Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Take them out, let the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls cool on the pan for a few minutes—this helps them set and makes serving a breeze. Now they’re ready for a grand entrance at your table!
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan over the top adds bright color and freshness. If you want to channel classic holiday flavors, offer a small bowl of warm gravy or tangy cranberry sauce for guests to dip and drizzle—these finishing touches really bring out all the savory and sweet notes.
Side Dishes
Pair Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp winter salad to round out a festive meal. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer on a platter with toothpicks and a trio of holiday dips—think mustard, gravy, and cranberry compote.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, pile the stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs and dried orange slices. Serve them in muffin cups for easy party snacking, or stack them pyramid-style as the centerpiece for a fun and interactive holiday buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls into an airtight container, and refrigerate within two hours of baking. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days and can make a fantastic next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange baked stuffing balls in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container. They keep beautifully for up to three months, ready to reheat whenever you crave a little holiday cheer.
Reheating
For the best results, pop the balls onto a lined baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave works, but the oven keeps that signature golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Chop or shred cooked turkey and mix it with stuffing and the remaining ingredients. The texture will be a bit different—more like croquettes—but they’ll still be delicious and a great way to use up leftovers.
Is it possible to make these stuffing balls gluten-free?
Yes—simply use your favorite gluten-free stuffing and double-check that your other ingredients (like seasonings) are gluten-free. You won’t miss out on any of the flavor or fun.
What’s the best way to keep Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls moist?
Don’t overbake them—check for doneness at the 20-minute mark, and use a thermometer for accuracy. Also, incorporating enough stuffing and not overmixing keeps every ball tender and juicy.
Can I prep these a day ahead?
Without a doubt! Form the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake them fresh just before serving for maximum flavor and less holiday stress.
What dips pair best with these?
Classic turkey gravy and cranberry sauce are top picks, but honey mustard or even a little chipotle aioli add something special if you want a twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping game!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing holiday recipe, Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls absolutely fit the bill. They’re fun to eat, versatile, and packed with the comfort of the season. Give them a try—you (and your guests) will be hooked from the very first bite!
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Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 to 18 stuffing balls (about 6 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings. A savory blend of ground turkey, stuffing, and dried cranberries, these bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and make a great appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing, cranberries, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the balls: Form the mixture into 16 to 18 golf-ball-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the balls with olive oil or melted butter and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Great as a holiday side dish or appetizer.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
