Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Imagine the irresistible aroma of savory herbs mingling with sweet-tart cranberries as golden-brown Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls emerge from your oven. These delectable bite-sized morsels capture the essence of a holiday feast in one perfectly portable package. Combining juicy turkey with traditional stuffing ingredients and jewel-like cranberries, these stuffing balls transform leftover holiday ingredients into something truly special. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or creative way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are guaranteed to impress. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures while creating a versatile dish that works for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new favorite holiday recipe for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver an irresistible textural experience—crispy exteriors give way to tender, moist centers studded with chewy cranberries. The flavor profile is equally impressive, balancing savory herb-infused stuffing with the subtle sweetness of the turkey and the bright pop of cranberry in every bite.

Beyond their deliciousness, these stuffing balls offer incredible convenience. They can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed, making them perfect for busy holiday gatherings. They’re also portion-controlled, eliminating the messy serving issues that traditional stuffing can present. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, especially if you’re working with holiday leftovers.

Perhaps most importantly, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls transform familiar holiday flavors into an innovative presentation that will have your guests asking for the recipe. They’re sophisticated enough for a formal dinner party yet accessible enough for a casual family meal.

Ingredients

To make approximately 24 Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (280g) cooked turkey meat, finely chopped
• 3 cups (180g) day-old bread cubes (sourdough or white bread work best)
• 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup/50g), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup (120ml) turkey or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The dried cranberries provide the signature sweet-tart flavor that makes these turkey stuffing balls special. For best results, use freshly chopped herbs rather than dried if available—they’ll infuse the mixture with aromatic holiday flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match.

Pro Tips

Achieving the Perfect Texture: The key to exceptional Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls lies in moisture control. Your mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but not so wet that it’s soggy. If your mixture seems too dry, add broth one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before forming balls to allow the bread to absorb the liquid properly.

Flavor Development: For maximum flavor, sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until truly golden brown, not just translucent. This caramelization creates a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Additionally, toasting your bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes before incorporating them will prevent sogginess and enhance their nutty flavor.

Uniform Cooking: Use a cookie scoop or measuring cup (about 2-3 tablespoons) to portion your mixture, ensuring all balls are the same size for even cooking. After shaping each ball, press firmly between your palms to compact it, which prevents falling apart during baking. For the crispiest exterior, leave enough space between balls on the baking sheet and consider brushing them with a little melted butter before baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The vegetables should become translucent and slightly golden around the edges. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
To the bowl with the cooled vegetable mixture, add the chopped turkey, bread cubes, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to distribute all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle in the chopped sage, thyme, and rosemary, then mix again. This gentle mixing preserves the texture of the ingredients while ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Step 3: Bind the Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and turkey broth. Pour this liquid mixture over your stuffing ingredients, followed by the melted butter. Using clean hands (the best tools for this job!), gently fold everything together until well combined and the mixture holds together when squeezed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquids.

Step 4: Form and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into balls approximately 2 inches in diameter (about the size of a golf ball), packing them firmly. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each ball. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps them set up and makes them less likely to fall apart when moved. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

Vegetarian Cranberry Stuffing Balls: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by substituting the turkey with 1½ cups of finely chopped mushrooms (preferably a mix of cremini and shiitake) sautéed until golden and all liquid has evaporated. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth and add ¼ cup of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for additional protein and texture. These vegetarian Cranberry Stuffing Balls maintain all the festive flavors while accommodating non-meat eaters.

Sausage Cranberry Stuffing Balls: For a more decadent version, replace half the turkey with ½ pound of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or Italian sausage (casings removed). The sausage adds a rich, savory depth that complements the sweet cranberries beautifully. Consider adding 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mixture if using breakfast sausage for a sweet-savory flavor combination that’s utterly irresistible.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes that have been lightly toasted. Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the mixture to help with binding since gluten-free bread sometimes doesn’t hold together as well. The resulting gluten-free Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls will be just as delicious while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Storage Options: Leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked and completely cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Transform these versatile bites into a complete meal with complementary sides. Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch option. For an elegant dinner presentation, place 3-4 Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls on a pool of homemade gravy or cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. They also make exceptional appetizers when served with a cranberry-mustard dipping sauce (combine ¼ cup cranberry sauce with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard). For holiday buffets, arrange them on a platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a festive presentation.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with raw turkey instead of cooked?
No, this recipe requires pre-cooked turkey. Raw turkey wouldn’t cook thoroughly within the stuffing balls, creating a food safety risk. If you don’t have leftover turkey, quickly poach or roast a turkey breast before proceeding with the recipe.

Why are my stuffing balls falling apart?
This typically happens when the mixture is either too dry or not compacted enough. Ensure your mixture has adequate binding (eggs and broth) and press firmly when forming the balls. Letting the mixture rest before shaping also helps the bread absorb liquid, improving cohesion.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, or form and freeze the uncooked balls for up to a month. You can also fully bake them, cool completely, and refrigerate for 2-3 days before reheating.

What’s the best way to use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients for this recipe?
Use leftover roasted turkey meat, surplus dried bread from stuffing prep, and any extra fresh herbs. Even leftover prepared stuffing can work—just crumble it up, add some diced turkey and cranberries, bind with an egg, and proceed with forming and baking.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out exceptionally crispy on the outside while remaining moist inside.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are comfort food at its finest—combining familiar holiday flavors in a format that’s both innovative and irresistibly delicious. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, herbed stuffing, tender turkey, and sweet-tart cranberries wrapped in a golden, crispy exterior. They’re the kind of dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something special, whether you’re repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers or creating a show-stopping appetizer for your next dinner party. With their make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor, these stuffing balls deserve a permanent place in your recipe collection for holidays and beyond.

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