Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Imagine the aroma of sage and thyme wafting through your kitchen as golden-brown Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls emerge from your oven, their exteriors crisp and interiors moist and flavorful. These delightful little morsels capture the essence of holiday meals in bite-sized form, combining the savory notes of turkey with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, all wrapped in a perfectly seasoned stuffing mixture. These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just appetizers; they’re conversation starters that bring holiday cheer to any gathering. You’ll learn how to create these irresistible treats that transform leftover turkey into something extraordinary your guests will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls will quickly become your go-to recipe for holiday entertaining or using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures—crispy exterior giving way to a tender, moist center studded with juicy cranberries and savory turkey pieces. The combination of herbs creates a nostalgic aroma that instantly evokes feelings of comfort and celebration.

What makes these turkey stuffing bites truly special is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for cocktail parties yet homey enough for casual family gatherings. You can prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive. Plus, they solve the eternal post-holiday question of what to do with leftover turkey in the most delicious way possible!

The beauty of these stuffing balls lies in their ability to deliver all the flavors of a holiday feast in one perfect bite—no plate required. They’re portable, portion-controlled, and packed with flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For these delectable Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (250g) cooked turkey, finely diced
• 2 cups (200g) dried stuffing mix (herb-seasoned works best)
• 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) turkey or chicken broth, plus extra if needed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 2 celery stalks (about 1/2 cup/50g), finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating before baking)

The dried cranberries provide tart bursts of flavor that perfectly complement the savory turkey. Be sure to use good quality dried stuffing mix for the best flavor foundation. If you’re making these after Thanksgiving, leftover homemade stuffing works beautifully in place of the dried mix.

Pro Tips

Perfect Moisture Balance: The key to exceptional Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is achieving the ideal moisture level. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be soggy. Start with the recommended amount of broth, then add more a tablespoon at a time if the mixture seems dry. Different stuffing mixes absorb liquid differently, so trust your judgment and adjust accordingly.

Proper Sizing Technique: For even cooking and the best texture contrast, aim for uniformity in your stuffing balls. Use a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons/30ml capacity) to portion the mixture, then roll between your palms to create perfectly round balls. Slightly wet hands prevent sticking and create a smoother surface that will brown beautifully.

Two-Stage Cooking Method: For stuffing balls with a crispy exterior and moist interior, employ a two-stage cooking process. First, bake them at a higher temperature (400°F/200°C) for 10 minutes to create a golden crust, then reduce to 350°F/175°C for the remaining cooking time. This prevents the exterior from becoming too hard while ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be soft but not browned—we’re building flavor foundations here, not caramelizing.

Step 2
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Add the stuffing mix, chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. The cooling step prevents the egg from cooking when added to the mixture.

Step 3
Add the diced turkey and chopped cranberries to the stuffing mixture, distributing them evenly throughout. Pour in the beaten egg and broth, then mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should hold together when squeezed—if it seems too dry, add additional broth one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4
With slightly dampened hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 2 tablespoons each). Place the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even browning. Lightly brush or spray each ball with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time for even browning. The stuffing balls are done when they’re golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make them easier to handle.

Variations

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites with Bacon: For an indulgent twist, wrap each stuffing ball with half a slice of bacon before baking. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender stuffing. Increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes to ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.

Mediterranean Turkey Stuffing Balls: Transform these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls with Mediterranean flavors by substituting dried cherries for cranberries, adding 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary instead of sage, and including 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Gluten-Free Option: Make these accessible to everyone by using gluten-free stuffing mix or bread cubes. The binding properties may differ slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid or add an extra egg to achieve the right consistency. The flavor profile remains delicious, and your gluten-sensitive guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Storage and Serving

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday planning. Refrigerate cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer 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.

Serve these versatile bites as an appetizer with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping. For a beautiful holiday appetizer platter, arrange them on a bed of fresh herbs with small bowls of different dipping sauces. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday brunch alongside scrambled eggs and fruit.

For a complete meal, pair these stuffing balls with a green salad dressed with vinaigrette and roasted vegetables for a delightful dinner that captures holiday flavors any time of year.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then brush with oil and bake when ready to serve. This makes them perfect for holiday entertaining.

How do I prevent my stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture has enough binding agents (egg and moisture). Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before forming balls to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid. If they’re still crumbly, add another tablespoon of broth or an extra egg white.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Cooked, diced chicken works perfectly in this recipe as a substitute for turkey. The flavor profile is similar, making this a versatile recipe year-round.

Are these suitable for freezing?
Yes, these freeze beautifully. Freeze cooked and cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes.

What dipping sauces work well with these stuffing balls?
Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, honey mustard, and maple aioli all complement the flavors wonderfully. For a quick option, mix cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Conclusion

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are comfort food at its finest — little parcels of holiday joy that transform simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of savory herbs, tender turkey, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a perfect balance that delights the palate and warms the heart. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving them at a holiday cocktail party or enjoying them as a cozy family meal. With their make-ahead convenience and irresistible flavor, these stuffing balls might just become your new holiday tradition.

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