If you’re looking for a show-stopper holiday appetizer or a cozy weeknight dinner, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the best flavors of Thanksgiving—savory turkey, herby stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries—rolled into perfectly golden, bite-sized balls. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely bursting with festive flavor. Serve them with cranberry sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic comfort and delicious innovation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is chosen for a reason: they come together in minutes, but each one adds a pop of flavor, color, or that irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The star of the show, giving these bites their hearty, meaty base—perfect for using up leftovers!
- Prepared stuffing (3 cups): This brings all the cozy, savory flavor and acts as the binder that holds the balls together.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Little jewels of sweetness that balance the savory elements and add gorgeous bursts of color.
- Chicken broth or turkey broth (1/4 cup): Keeps everything moist and flavorful—no dry stuffing balls here!
- Peas, optional (1/4 cup): For an extra pop of green and a bit of sweetness, peas are a fun optional twist.
- Egg, beaten (1): Acts as the glue, helping everything stick together as the balls bake up golden and crisp.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp): A sprinkle of freshness and color, both in the mix and as a garnish.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
- Cranberry sauce (for serving): The ultimate pairing, perfect for dipping your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your oven time to get nice and hot ensures your stuffing balls bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas (if you’re using them), beaten egg, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and moist but not soggy. The mixture should hold together nicely when pressed—if it feels dry, add a touch more broth.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Now comes the fun part! Scoop out the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized portions. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, sprinkle the balls with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve them warm, alongside a generous dish of cranberry sauce for dipping. They’re delicious right out of the oven but also hold up well for parties or make-ahead meals.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish—it adds a pop of green and a hint of earthy flavor that brightens up the plate. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of warmed cranberry sauce can take these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to the next level.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with classic holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of hearty soup, turning leftovers into a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the stuffing balls high on a platter with sprigs of rosemary and bowls of cranberry sauce for dipping, or skewer them with toothpicks for a festive appetizer spread. For a fun twist, serve them in a muffin tin for grab-and-go party bites—guests will love how easy they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully and make a perfect snack or quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the stuffing balls cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just pop out as many as you need for a speedy meal.
Reheating
You can reheat Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps them stay crispy. For a quicker option, the microwave works too, but the oven is best for bringing back that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute and will work just as well, making these stuffing balls easy to throw together any time of year.
What kind of stuffing should I use?
Any prepared stuffing works—herb, cornbread, or even gluten-free blends. Use your favorite or whatever you have on hand; they all lend great flavor and texture.
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the turkey for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is moist enough (add more broth if needed), and don’t skip the egg—it’s the essential binder. Press the balls firmly when shaping for best results.
Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for prepping ahead for parties, lunches, or quick dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your holiday menu or simply want a tasty way to use up leftovers, I can’t recommend Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls enough. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with all the flavors you crave. Give them a try—you just might find yourself making them all year round!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect holiday appetizer or side dish. Combining savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and juicy dried cranberries, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection and served with tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Stuffing Balls
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1/4 cup peas (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffing balls evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas (if using), beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, ensuring they are compact enough to hold their shape during baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the outside and are heated through in the center.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm alongside cranberry sauce for dipping, adding a perfect sweet and tart flavor contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with turkey broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance freshness and color.
- If you want a firmer texture, reduce the broth slightly to prevent the mixture from being too wet.
- These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
