When it comes to holiday cooking, Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the savory flavors of turkey stuffing with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. These bite-sized delights are perfect as a festive appetizer, a fun side dish for Thanksgiving, or even a unique snack for holiday parties. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and sure to become a favorite addition to your holiday spread.
Let’s dive into what makes cranberry & turkey stuffing balls a must-try dish and how to prepare them to impress your guests!
What Are Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry & turkey stuffing balls are essentially bite-sized portions of traditional stuffing that are combined with ground turkey and cranberries to create a savory-sweet fusion. They are rolled into balls and baked until crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful on the inside. These stuffing balls provide all the classic flavors of a Thanksgiving meal in a handheld, easy-to-serve form.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a quick snack, these stuffing balls are deliciously versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time. For more holiday-inspired recipes, check out these Savory Cornbread Stuffing Ideas.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Perfect for Any Holiday Gathering
These stuffing balls are an excellent option for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. They’re easy to serve and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Quick and Easy to Make
You can prepare these stuffing balls in under 45 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday cooking schedules.
Deliciously Balanced Flavors
The combination of savory ground turkey, herb-infused stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a dish that’s packed with flavor.
Versatile Serving Options
Serve these stuffing balls as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Pair them with a cranberry dipping sauce or gravy for an extra burst of flavor.
For more versatile appetizers, try these Jalapeño Popper Mummies for a fun twist on party food.
Ingredients for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
To make these tasty stuffing balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Turkey: 1 pound of lean ground turkey for a protein boost.
- Stuffing Mix: 2 cups of your favorite stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade).
- Cranberries: 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs to bind the mixture.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup to moisten the stuffing.
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced.
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried sage and thyme for classic stuffing flavor
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or a drizzle of gravy.
For another festive recipe featuring cranberries, try these 5-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
1: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups of stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Stir until the stuffing mix absorbs the broth and becomes slightly moist.
2: Add Ground Turkey and Eggs
- Add 1 pound of ground turkey and 2 beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried sage, and thyme.
3: Form the Balls
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4: Bake the Stuffing Balls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and the turkey is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with cranberry sauce or gravy.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
- Add More Flavor: Enhance the stuffing with chopped celery, garlic, or shredded cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing balls a day in advance and bake them just before serving.
- Freeze for Later: These freeze well! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
For more make-ahead tips, check out these Easy Mini Meatloaf and Potato Bake ideas.
Delicious Variations of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
One of the joys of making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is the flexibility to customize them to your preferences. Here are some creative variations to keep things exciting for every occasion:
Cheesy Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite. These pair wonderfully with a side of Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Bites.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Balls
Wrap each stuffing ball with a strip of crispy bacon before baking. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and an extra layer of indulgence. Try serving them alongside these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a protein-packed appetizer platter.
Herb-Infused Stuffing Balls
Boost the flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. These aromatic herbs bring a classic Thanksgiving feel to every bite. Pair them with this Savory Cornbread Stuffing for a complete holiday spread.
️ Spicy Stuffing Balls
For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Serve with a cooling dip like ranch dressing or sour cream for balance. If you love spicy dishes, you’ll enjoy these Jalapeño Popper Mummies.
Vegetable-Loaded Stuffing Balls
Incorporate finely chopped carrots, celery, or spinach for added texture and nutrition. These veggie-packed bites make a great appetizer alongside a light Cucumber Salad.
Serving Ideas for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to fit different occasions. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your holiday meals:
As a Holiday Appetizer
- Serve with a selection of dips such as cranberry sauce, gravy, and honey mustard.
- Arrange them on a platter with other festive bites like 5-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs for a colorful and delicious appetizer spread.
️ As a Side Dish
- Pair with traditional holiday dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables.
- These stuffing balls are a great complement to Savory Cornbread Stuffing or a hearty Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup.
With a Fresh Salad
- Serve alongside a crisp, refreshing salad like this Healthy Spring Roll Salad for a balanced meal.
- A light salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and pecans adds a fresh contrast to the rich stuffing balls.
In a Leftover Sandwich
- Use leftover stuffing balls in a sandwich with sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, and a drizzle of gravy.
- For a twist on traditional sandwiches, try pairing them with this recipe for Perfect Homemade Sandwich Bread.
Tips for Making Ahead and Storing
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prep in Advance: Assemble the stuffing balls the day before and store them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: Place unbaked stuffing balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store baked stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
For more meal-prep inspiration, check out these Easy Mini Meatloaf and Potato Bake ideas.
FAQs About Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
❓ Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Ground Turkey?
Yes! Shred or finely chop your leftover cooked turkey and mix it with the stuffing and cranberries. This is a fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
❓ How Do I Keep the Stuffing Balls Moist?
Ensure the stuffing mixture is adequately moistened with chicken broth. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more broth until it holds together when rolled.
❓ Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free.
❓ What Dips Go Well with These Stuffing Balls?
Try serving with:
- Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Turkey Gravy
- Honey Mustard Dip
- Garlic Aioli
For more dipping inspiration, check out these Homemade Pizza Burgers for sauce ideas that work well with savory dishes.
Conclusion
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and herb-infused flavors, making them the perfect addition to any holiday table. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or repurposed in a leftover sandwich, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to impress your guests. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, they’ll quickly become a holiday staple.
For more creative recipes and holiday inspiration, visit AM Recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls!