Best Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
When it comes to the holiday season, nothing quite says festive like a delicious and savory stuffing recipe. If you love classic stuffing but want to switch things up with a unique and flavorful twist, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to your holiday table. They combine the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing with the heartiness of ground turkey, making them a satisfying and delightful side dish or appetizer.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive gathering, these stuffing balls are a crowd-pleaser. The sweet tanginess of dried cranberries balances beautifully with the savory turkey and aromatic herbs, giving you that perfect bite of holiday comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings – These stuffing balls are easy to prepare and make an excellent side dish or appetizer.
- Great for Meal Prep – You can make these ahead of time and simply bake them when needed.
- Handheld and Convenient – Unlike traditional stuffing, these individual-sized servings make plating and portioning a breeze.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of sage, thyme, cranberries, and turkey creates a delicious, well-balanced taste.
- Versatile – Serve them as a side, snack, or even a main course with some gravy and veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cranberries, celery, and onion.
2. Mix the Turkey Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the Stuffing Balls
Gradually add the turkey mixture to the bread mixture, stirring until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with your favorite holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead Tip – You can prepare these stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Swap Ingredients – Try using ground chicken instead of turkey for a lighter version.
- Add Cheese – Mix in some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for an extra savory kick.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free alternative.
- Extra Moisture – If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra splash of chicken broth to moisten it.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds.
Freezing: These stuffing balls freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
Pair these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls with:
- Cranberry Sauce – A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of the dried cranberries.
- Turkey Gravy – Drizzle some warm gravy over the top for extra richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Mulled Wine or Apple Cider – Warm, spiced drinks go perfectly with these festive bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time? A: Yes! You can form the balls and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? A: You can, but dried cranberries add a concentrated sweetness. If using fresh cranberries, chop them finely and consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian? A: Yes! Swap the ground turkey for a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix instead of dried bread cubes? A: Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing mix works well; just reduce the seasoning slightly to account for pre-seasoned mixes.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try for your next holiday feast! They are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for serving at family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a creative side dish or a delicious appetizer, these stuffing balls deliver on both taste and convenience.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! If you enjoyed this post, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more holiday-inspired recipes. Happy cooking!
