If you’re craving a festive treat that captures the very spirit of holiday gatherings, the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, bite-sized balls combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, and bursts of sweet-tart cranberries, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a delicious side dish, this recipe offers an irresistible twist on traditional leftovers that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly to deliver a flavorful and colorful dish. Each element plays a vital role in balancing taste and texture, ensuring every bite is cozy yet exciting.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped: Using tender turkey pieces adds savory depth and protein-rich substance.
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed): The base of the balls, giving structure and classic comforting flavors.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These little pops of sweetness brighten the dish and add a festive jewel-like color.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a savory sharpness that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced: Provides a subtle crunch and freshness to keep the texture interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage: A quintessential Thanksgiving herb that imparts earthy warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a mild, aromatic kick without overpowering the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat that balances the sweeter elements.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together so the balls hold their shape while baking.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Enriches the mixture and ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkles of fresh green to brighten presentation and flavor.
- Cooking spray or oil for baking: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning during baking.
How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the balls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked stuffing balls with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, onion, celery, dried sage, garlic powder, and black pepper. Once evenly combined, stir in the egg and melted butter. These ingredients work together to create a cohesive mixture that holds firm but stays tender inside.
Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Grab a cookie scoop or your hands and scoop out golf ball–sized portions of the stuffing mixture. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form neat balls. Then arrange them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This step is all about forming tidy, uniform bites that cook evenly and look inviting.
Step 4: Add a Finishing Touch Before Baking
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the balls with oil or melted butter. This simple touch encourages a delightful golden brown crust, adding irresistible crunch to the outside while locking in moisture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through, with a crisp exterior that gives way to a moist, flavorful center.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish the cranberry and turkey stuffing balls with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also gives a fresh herbaceous note that balances the rich flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic way to brighten these stuffing balls just before serving. For added flair, you can drizzle them lightly with warm gravy or pair them with a side of tangy cranberry sauce that echoes the berries inside the balls.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded holiday plate. They’re also excellent companions to warm, buttery dinner rolls or a creamy butternut squash soup on chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or parties, serve these stuffing balls on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy picking. You can also offer a trio of dipping sauces—cranberry relish, savory herb gravy, and a spicy mustard aioli—to add interactive fun and variety for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, perfect for a quick snack or a second helping the next day.
Freezing
This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, shape the balls but don’t bake them; place on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the original baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen baked stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the exterior crispy, unlike microwaving which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is perfect for transforming leftover roasted turkey into a new, exciting dish that prevents waste and delights the palate.
What if I don’t have dried cranberries?
You can substitute dried cherries or raisins for a similar sweet-tart touch. Fresh cranberries could work too but would need to be chopped and may create extra moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey with cooked and finely chopped mushrooms, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning to taste to keep that rich, comforting flavor.
How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
Be sure to include the egg and melted butter as they help bind the ingredients. If your mixture feels too loose, add a little more stuffing or a handful of breadcrumbs to improve cohesion.
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the balls for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is a joyous way to celebrate comfort food with a fresh twist, perfect for the holidays or any family meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor how these delightful little bites bring a burst of warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your table. Once you make them, they’re bound to become a beloved tradition in your home too!
Print
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 balls
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and convenient way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a flavorful appetizer or side dish. With tender turkey, savory stuffing, tart dried cranberries, and a blend of herbs and spices, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection and make a perfect warm snack or accompaniment to your holiday meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup celery finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the finely chopped cooked turkey, stuffing, dried cranberries, onion, celery, dried sage, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add Egg and Butter: Stir in the egg and melted butter. This helps bind the mixture so it holds its shape when baked.
- Form Balls: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the balls with cooking spray or melted butter to encourage browning and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers and minimizing food waste.
- Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor and dipping options.
- You can freeze the unbaked balls; bake from frozen by adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
