Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled a tray of golden-brown Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven, the aroma enveloped my kitchen like a warm hug. These delightful little bites blend savory turkey with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare, they’re not just a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile canvas for customization—think herbed, cheesy, or spicy variations that suit every palate. Imagine the joy of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring these delicious bites that elevate any meal. Curious about how to make these tasty treats? Let’s dive in and start crafting your new favorite dish! Why Are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Great? Versatility: You can customize these balls to fit any taste—whether you prefer herbed, cheesy, or spicy, the possibilities are endless! Festive Appeal: Their warm, inviting aroma and delightful flavor make them the star of any holiday spread, sure to impress your guests. Quick Preparation: They come together easily, perfect for busy chefs who want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized delights are ideal for gatherings, encouraging everyone to mingle and enjoy the flavors while sharing stories around the table. Heart-Healthy Twist: Using ground turkey offers a leaner alternative without compromising on taste. For more tasty ideas like this, check out my Shrimp Balls Wow recipe! Treat your loved ones to these irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls and watch them disappear—your new go-to appetizer awaits! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Ingredients For the Stuffing Balls Ground turkey – Adds protein and heartiness; can substitute with ground chicken or pork. Fresh cranberries – Provides tartness and vibrant color; dried cranberries can be used for a sweeter flavor. Breadcrumbs – Acts as a binder to hold everything together; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. Onion, finely chopped – Enhances flavor with a touch of sweetness; shallots can be a great substitute for a milder taste. Celery, finely chopped – Adds a delightful crunch; leeks serve as a pleasant alternative. Garlic, minced – Introduces a deep flavor; garlic powder works well in a pinch. Sage, dried – Infuses traditional stuffing flavors; fresh sage or herbs like rosemary can be wonderful substitutes. Thyme, dried – Complements the savory notes beautifully; fresh thyme is an excellent alternative. Salt – Elevates all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences. Pepper – Adds a hint of warmth; consider using white pepper for a milder heat. Eggs – Binds the ingredients together; flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative. Chicken broth – Adds moisture and flavor; vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version. Olive oil – Drizzle to enhance browning; melted butter creates a richer flavor. Roll up those sleeves and get ready to make these festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls; they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking later on. Step 2: Prepare Stuffing Mixture In a spacious bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is coated in the savory herbs. This flavorful stuffing mixture will be the heart of your delicious stuffing balls. Step 3: Mix in Turkey Next, add the ground turkey to the bowl with your stuffing mixture. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix everything until fully combined, ensuring the turkey is evenly distributed. This incorporation is essential for the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to hold together while maintaining that robust flavor profile. Step 4: Form Balls Now, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and take a small portion of the mixture, rolling it into a ball approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls. You should have a nice platter filled with these festive treats before baking. Step 5: Arrange & Bake Carefully place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown and develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining moist inside. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set before serving. Pair them with your favorite sauces or gravies, and watch as these delightful bites become the highlight of your festive gathering! What to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Serving up hearty, flavorful bites like these provides an opportunity to create a full, delightful meal that warms the soul. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness creates the perfect contrast to the tartness of the stuffing balls, delivering ultimate comfort. Savory Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds a crunchy, creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the soft stuffing balls. Simple Arugula Salad: A refreshing and peppery salad cuts through the richness, bringing balance and brightness to your plate. Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the savory and tart elements of the stuffing balls. Cranberry Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce enhances the flavor profile and brings out the stuffing balls’ fruity notes. Herbed Quinoa: This light and fluffy side dish introduces a nutty flavor and complements the herbs in the stuffing balls gracefully. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch that’s ideal for soaking up any delicious sauces you choose to pair. Sparking Cider: A refreshing drink option, its crispness and hint of sweetness will elevate the entire meal experience. Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this festive favorite provides a sweet finish, echoing the seasonal flavors found in the stuffing balls. With these pairings, you can craft a vibrant and well-rounded table that will leave your guests raving and returning for more! Storage Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Fridge: Store leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy your stuffing balls again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they regain their delightful texture. Thawing: If frozen, thaw the stuffing balls in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results and to avoid an uneven temperature. Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save valuable time on busy days! You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance; just mix all ingredients up to the point of forming the balls, then cover and refrigerate. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining the quality of your stuffing balls. When you’re ready to cook, simply roll the mixture into balls and bake them directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed. By prepping ahead, you’ll have delicious, festive bites ready to serve with minimal effort—perfect for your next gathering! Expert Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Uniform Chopping: Ensure all vegetables are chopped uniformly to promote even cooking. This avoids any undercooked or overcooked pieces in your stuffing balls. Thorough Mixing: Combine ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution; this helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture and keeps the Cranneberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from becoming dry. Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even browning. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze! Prep in Advance: To save time, prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Cheesy Additions: For added decadence, consider incorporating cheese into your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Cheddar or mozzarella can provide a wonderful creamy center. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations Feel free to mix it up and make these stuffing balls your own with exciting tweaks that cater to your taste buds! Herbed Stuffing Balls: Add a burst of freshness by mixing in chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant twist. These herbs elevate the stuffing’s flavor profile beautifully, perfect for the herb lover! Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Fold in your favorite cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey center. The melty goodness adds delightful richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Vegetable-Loaded Variants: Toss finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini into the mix for extra color and nutrition. Adding these veggies not only boosts health but introduces lovely textures! Spicy Version: Spice things up with minced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This fiery kick transforms your stuffing balls into something extraordinary, sure to thrill heat-seekers! Maple-Glazed: Drizzle with maple syrup right before serving to create a sweet contrast with the tart cranberries. This unexpected addition takes the flavor harmony to new heights! Sausage-Stuffed: Include cooked sausage in the mixture for a heartier flavor boost. This twist offers a satisfying depth, making it a delightful surprise at your gatherings. Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free varieties if you’re catering to gluten-sensitive guests. Everyone will appreciate being included in the feast! For more delicious ideas, don’t miss my recipe for Chocolate Oat Cookies that showcases how simple ingredient swaps can create something truly special. Enjoy the journey of personalizing your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe FAQs How do I know when my cranberries are ripe? Absolutely! When selecting fresh cranberries, look for bright, plump berries that are firm to the touch. Avoid any that have dark spots or are shriveled, as these may not be at their best. If you can find cranberries that bounce when dropped, that’s a good sign of freshness! What is the best way to store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls? For maximum freshness, store your leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s essential to let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation that could make them soggy. Can I freeze cranberry turkey stuffing balls? Very! To freeze your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, first spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months! What if my stuffing mixture is too dry? Don’t worry, this is an easy fix! If you find that your stuffing mixture is too dry to form balls, simply add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This will help bind everything together without losing flavor or texture. Are cranberry turkey stuffing balls safe for pets? It’s best to keep Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls away from pets. While ingredients like turkey and cranberries are not toxic, many seasonings, such as garlic and onion, can be harmful to animals. Always play it safe and enjoy these treats without sharing with furry friends! Can I make cranberry turkey stuffing balls gluten-free? Absolutely! To make gluten-free cranberry turkey stuffing balls, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy these festive bites without worry, making it a perfect option for gatherings with diverse dietary needs. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for a Festive Twist These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls blend savory turkey with sweet cranberries, making them a perfect festive appetizer for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 ballsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stuffing Balls1 lb Ground turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or pork.1 cup Fresh cranberries Dried cranberries can be used for a sweeter flavor.1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.1 medium Onion, finely chopped Shallots can be a substitute.1 cup Celery, finely chopped Leeks serve as a pleasant alternative.2 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder works well in a pinch.1 tbsp Sage, dried Fresh sage or herbs like rosemary can be used.1 tbsp Thyme, dried Fresh thyme is an excellent alternative.1 tsp Salt Adjust according to your taste preferences.1 tsp Pepper Consider using white pepper for milder heat.1 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative.1/2 cup Chicken broth Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.2 tbsp Olive oil Melted butter creates a richer flavor. Equipment OvenMixing BowlBaking SheetParchment Paper Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Combine breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.Add the ground turkey to the mixture and combine until fully mixed.Wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch balls.Place the formed balls on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cranberry turkey stuffing balls can be customized with herbs or cheeses for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
