Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Delicious Holiday Recipe to Impress Your Guests

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing that brings a burst of flavor to any holiday table. As someone who cherishes the warmth of family gatherings, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I tasted these savory bites. The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and festive.

Originating from the classic Thanksgiving stuffing, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls have evolved into a beloved dish that many families now enjoy year-round. People adore this recipe not only for its incredible taste and texture but also for its convenience; they can be prepared ahead of time and easily baked just before serving. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

this recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably sourdough or whole wheat)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Preparing the Mixture

Let’s get started on these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls! First, we need to prepare our mixture. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, chopped fresh cranberries, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and chopped dried cranberries. This combination will give our stuffing balls a wonderful texture and flavor.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. These herbs and spices will infuse our stuffing balls with aromatic goodness.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth. This mixture will help bind all the ingredients together.
4. Pour the egg and broth mixture into the large bowl with the turkey and bread mixture. Using your hands (or a spatula if you prefer), gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Shaping the Stuffing Balls

Now that our mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into balls. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, let’s shape our stuffing balls.
2. Using your hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls. You should get about 20-24 stuffing balls, depending on the size you make them.
3. Once all the balls are shaped, lightly spray them with olive oil or brush them with a little olive oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.

Cooking Process

Now it’s time to cook our stuffing balls to perfection!

1. Place the baking sheet with the stuffing balls in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
2. If you want an extra crispy exterior, you can broil the stuffing balls for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Serving Suggestions

Once your cranberry turkey stuffing balls are out of the oven, it’s time to serve them up! Here are a few ideas:

1. Serve them as a side dish during your holiday meal, alongside turkey and gravy.
2. Pair them with a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner option.
3. They also make a great appetizer! Just serve them with a dipping sauce, like cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard.
4. For a fun twist, you can even use them in a sandwich! Just place a few stuffing balls between slices of bread with some cranberry sauce and greens.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

1. Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before storing them. Place

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday meals or simply enjoy a delicious, savory snack. The combination of tender turkey, zesty cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and festive. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, toss them into a salad for a hearty lunch, or even enjoy them as a main dish alongside your favorite sides. Feel free to get creative with variations—try adding some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch, or swap out the cranberries for dried apricots or cherries for a different twist. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to make the recipe your own. I encourage you to give these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how they turned out for you! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, I’m sure you’ll find these little bites of joy to be a hit. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Delicious Holiday Recipe to Impress Your Guests

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 20–24 stuffing balls 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine savory ground turkey with sweet cranberries and aromatic herbs, making them a delightful side dish or appetizer perfect for any gathering. Enjoy them baked to golden perfection and served warm!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground turkey
   • 2 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably sourdough or whole wheat)
   • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
   • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
   • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
   • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
   • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1 teaspoon dried sage
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 large egg, beaten
   • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
   • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, chopped fresh cranberries, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and chopped dried cranberries.
   2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
   3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the large bowl with the turkey and bread mixture.
   4. Gently mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
   5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   6. Shape the mixture into balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   7. Lightly spray or brush the balls with olive oil.
   8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

   Notes

   • These stuffing balls can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even in a sandwich.
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes