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