The holiday season brings a bounty of flavors—savory turkey, tart cranberries, and comforting stuffing. While traditional stuffing is often served alongside turkey, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls transform this classic side dish into a fun, bite-sized delight. Perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even main-course bites, these golden, flavorful balls deliver the nostalgic taste of the holidays in every mouthful. They’re crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and beautifully balanced between savory and sweet. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a festive potluck, or simply craving a creative holiday snack, this recipe guarantees to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients:
To create approximately 20 stuffing balls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Stuffing Base
- 4 cups of cubed day-old bread (preferably white or sourdough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- ¾ cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Turkey Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Baking
- Nonstick cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing
- Extra broth (2–3 tablespoons) for brushing before baking, if needed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Allow to cool. This step ensures your stuffing doesn’t become mushy later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and garlic powder. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently to bloom the spices. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, ground turkey, cranberries, Parmesan, and parsley. Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not soggy. If it feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon or two of broth.
4. Shape the Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the tray, leaving about 1 inch between each. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil to promote browning.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning the balls halfway through for even cooking. They’re done when the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Tip: Avoid microwaving as it softens the crispy exterior.
Variations: Customize Your Holiday Flavor
- Cheesy Delight:
Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a richer, creamier texture. - Nutty Crunch:
Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch that complements the cranberries perfectly. - Herb Lovers’ Mix:
Replace parsley with fresh rosemary or thyme for a more fragrant, herbaceous flavor. - Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread cubes for a safe and tasty alternative. - Spicy Kick:
Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation and Pairings
1. Appetizer Platter:
Arrange the cranberry turkey stuffing balls on a festive serving tray with cranberry dipping sauce or gravy. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch.
2. Main Course Upgrade:
Serve 3–4 stuffing balls alongside mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a wholesome, comforting meal. Drizzle warm turkey gravy on top for added flavor.
3. Party Snack Idea:
Insert toothpicks or mini skewers into each ball for easy serving at parties. Pair with a creamy honey mustard or herbed aioli dip.
4. Sandwich Style:
Tuck a few balls into a soft dinner roll with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a quick and flavorful holiday slider.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread retains too much moisture and prevents the balls from holding their shape.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just enough to combine ingredients; overmixing results in dense, tough stuffing balls.
- Mind the moisture: The mixture should feel damp but not wet. Add broth gradually to reach the right consistency.
- Uniform size matters: Evenly sized balls ensure consistent baking and prevent undercooked centers.
- For extra crispiness: Finish baking under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to add a satisfying crunch.
Conclusion: A Versatile and Flavorful Holiday Classic
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine all the best elements of a traditional holiday meal—savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and aromatic herbs—into a single, satisfying bite. Their versatility makes them ideal for any occasion, from elegant dinners to casual gatherings. You can serve them as appetizers, sides, or even the star of the meal. The recipe’s simplicity allows endless customization, ensuring every cook can tailor it to their taste. With their delightful balance of textures and flavors, these stuffing balls aren’t just another festive dish—they’re a delicious celebration of the season itself.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Flavorful Holiday Treat!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive twist on a holiday favorite, combining savory turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs into crispy, golden bites. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a flavorful side dish, these bite-sized delights bring all the comforting tastes of Thanksgiving and Christmas into one easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Base
4 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough)
1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
¾ cup chopped celery (2 stalks)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Turkey Mixture
1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Baking
Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Extra broth (2–3 tablespoons) for brushing before baking
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Cubes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat.
Combine the Mixture
In a large bowl, mix toasted bread, vegetables, ground turkey, cranberries, Parmesan, and parsley. Add egg and broth. Stir until combined; add more broth if dry.
Shape the Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form 1½-inch balls and place evenly spaced. Lightly brush or spray with oil.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use day-old bread for better texture.
Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep them light and tender.
For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Avoid microwaving leftovers to preserve crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Balls
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, turkey recipes, Thanksgiving sides
