The Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays

When autumn’s crisp breeze rolls in, these delectable cranberry & turkey stuffing balls become the perfect comfort food to satisfy your seasonal cravings.

Packed with savory turkey and tart cranberries, these bite-sized delights offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare.

Each morsel combines tender meat, herbs, and tangy fruit in a crispy golden exterior.

The stuffing balls blend classic flavors with unexpected texture, making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish.

Guests will marvel at how such simple ingredients can create such a memorable culinary experience.

Serve these crowd-pleasing morsels at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls That Are Party Pleasers

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This shrimp scampi pasta bake transforms a classic dish into a comforting, cheesy delight that'll wow everyone at the dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: By combining stovetop and oven techniques, this recipe streamlines the cooking process, making a gourmet meal accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or adjust spice levels to suit individual tastes, making this dish incredibly versatile for different preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Despite looking and tasting sophisticated, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

What You Need for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Ground Turkey: Adds lean protein and creates a savory base for the stuffing balls.
• Sage: Provides a classic, earthy flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle, herbal note that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Dried Bread Cubes: Forms the foundational texture and absorbs the flavorful liquids.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces a sweet and tangy element to balance the savory ingredients.

• Chicken Broth, Melted Butter, Beaten Egg: Combine to create moisture and help bind the stuffing balls together.

• Celery, Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of the stuffing balls.

How to Bake Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Dried bread cubes
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped celery
• Diced onion

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Chicken broth
• Melted butter
• Beaten egg
• Ground turkey
• Sage
• Thyme
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

If the mixture seems dry, splash in extra chicken broth one tablespoon at a time. Blend carefully to keep bread cubes slightly chunky for a light, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Shape Stuffing Balls

Use a cookie scoop or hands to create round balls. Place them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until balls turn golden brown.

Check internal temperature reaches 160F (74C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer stuffing balls to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delightful snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Tips to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Better

• Add chicken broth gradually to keep the stuffing moist and prevent crumbly texture, ensuring a delightful, cohesive result.
• Mix ingredients gently to preserve bread cube integrity, creating a light and fluffy stuffing ball with perfect consistency.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls, promoting consistent browning and preventing undercooked or overcooked spots.
• Employ a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 160F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked turkey stuffing balls.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or additional herbs before serving to boost flavor and create an appealing visual presentation.

Variations on Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls to Try

• Vegetarian Stuffing Spheres: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread or quinoa to create a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the original recipe's delicious texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Balls: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano to transform the traditional recipe into a Mediterranean-style appetizer with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or almond flour instead of bread cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the savory essence of the original stuffing balls.

Perfect Sides for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to complement the rich turkey and cranberry flavors, balancing the stuffing's savory herbs with subtle fruit undertones.
• Craft Herbal Beverage Match: Brew a warm sage tea or rosemary-infused sparkling water to echo the recipe's aromatic herbs, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty stuffing balls.
• Create Sauce Companion: Whip up a tangy cranberry aioli or herb-flecked yogurt dip that highlights the dish's sweet-savory profile, providing a creamy contrast to the crispy exterior of the stuffing balls.

Storing Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Wrap stuffing balls individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place 3-4 stuffing balls on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 45-60 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange stuffing balls on baking sheet. Sprinkle few drops of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bread types like sourdough, whole wheat, or challah. Just ensure the bread is day-old and slightly dried out for better texture.

• Is ground turkey necessary, or can I substitute it?

You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. The recipe will still be flavorful with the herbs and cranberries.

• How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and make sure the mixture is moist enough to bind. If too dry, add a bit more chicken broth. Don’t overmix to keep the bread cubes intact.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with these irresistible cranberry & turkey stuffing balls, packed with savory flavors and festive charm. Crispy exterior and tender interior invite guests to savor a perfect bite of comfort and celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey

Bread and Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an even heating environment for the stuffing balls.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine dried bread cubes, cranberries, chopped celery, and diced onion, creating a foundational mixture.
3. Whisk chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, ground turkey, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate container to create a cohesive liquid base.
4. Delicately fold the wet ingredients into the bread mixture, maintaining bread cube integrity and avoiding excessive crumbling to preserve a light, airy texture.
5. Adjust mixture consistency by adding chicken broth incrementally if the blend appears too dry, ensuring proper moisture distribution.
6. Utilize a cookie scoop or clean hands to form uniform 1 to 1 1/8-inch portions, rolling them into compact spheres.
7. Arrange stuffing balls evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each ball for consistent heat circulation.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160F (74C), verifying doneness with a meat thermometer.
9. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving warm as a versatile appetizer, snack, or complementary side dish.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an additional layer of visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Keep bread cubes slightly larger to maintain a light, fluffy texture in the stuffing balls.
• Consider using gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version of this recipe.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian adaptation.
• Try different dried fruits like chopped apricots or raisins to vary the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg