Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

The aroma of savory herbs mingling with sweet-tart cranberries fills the kitchen as these golden-brown Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls emerge from the oven. Crispy on the outside yet tender within, these delightful morsels transform holiday leftovers into an irresistible treat that rivals the original feast. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a comforting main course alongside creamy mashed potatoes, these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring holiday flavors into perfect balance. You’ll learn how to create these crowd-pleasing bites with simple techniques that maximize flavor while minimizing kitchen time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into something guests will request year-round. The contrasting textures create a sensory delight – each bite offers the satisfying crunch of the golden exterior giving way to the moist, herb-infused stuffing center, studded with juicy cranberries and savory turkey morsels.

What makes these stuffing balls truly special is their versatility. They work brilliantly as elegant appetizers passed around at holiday gatherings, yet feel equally at home as a comforting main dish alongside gravy and vegetables. The preparation is remarkably simple, requiring just one bowl and basic ingredients most home cooks already have after a holiday meal.

The sweet-savory balance achieved through the combination of traditional stuffing herbs with tart cranberries elevates these bite-sized treasures beyond ordinary leftover recipes. Even kitchen novices can achieve perfect results, as the forgiving mixture comes together without fussy techniques or specialized equipment.

Ingredients

For approximately 24 Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• 3 cups (375g) leftover stuffing, crumbled
• 2 cups (280g) cooked turkey, finely chopped
• 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (or ¾ cup dried cranberries)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) turkey or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (3g) fresh sage, minced
• 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme leaves
• ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil or melted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

The stuffing forms the foundation of these balls, so a herb-based variety works best. Fresh cranberries provide bursts of tartness that balance the savory elements, though dried cranberries offer a sweeter alternative. The eggs and broth bind everything together, while the herbs brighten the flavors and connect the components harmoniously.

Pro Tips

Perfect Moisture Balance
The secret to exceptional Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls lies in achieving the ideal moisture content. If your mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add broth one tablespoon at a time until it holds together when squeezed. Conversely, if it’s too wet, incorporate additional breadcrumbs gradually. The perfect consistency should be moist enough to hold together without being soggy.

Chilling for Structure
After forming your stuffing balls, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before baking. This critical resting period allows the ingredients to bind together, preventing them from falling apart during cooking. For make-ahead convenience, you can refrigerate the shaped balls for up to 24 hours before baking, which also deepens the flavor profile.

Even Cooking Technique
For the perfect golden-brown exterior, place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil before baking. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning. For extra crispness, use the convection setting on your oven if available, reducing the temperature by 25°F to compensate.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently break apart your leftover stuffing using a fork, maintaining some texture rather than pulverizing it completely. Add the finely chopped turkey, distributing it evenly throughout. Fold in the chopped cranberries, ensuring they’re dispersed throughout the mixture. The vibrant red berries not only add flavor but create beautiful jewel-like spots in your finished Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Step 2: Add Binding Ingredients
Drizzle the beaten eggs and turkey broth over the stuffing mixture. Add the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, gently fold everything together until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but not overly wet or sticky. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb some moisture.

Step 3: Form the Balls
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll between your palms to form balls approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them. Once all balls are formed, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps them maintain their shape while baking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled stuffing balls from the refrigerator. Combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl, then gently roll each ball in this mixture for extra crispness. Alternatively, simply brush each ball with olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning. Allow the stuffing balls to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let them set up properly. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.

Variations

Cheesy Cranberry Stuffing Balls
Transform these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls by incorporating 1 cup of shredded cheese into the mixture. Gruyère adds sophisticated nuttiness, while cheddar provides familiar comfort. For an extra indulgent touch, place a small cube of brie or camembert in the center of each ball before baking for a molten surprise when guests bite into them.

Vegetarian Turkey Stuffing Balls
Create a meat-free version by replacing the turkey with 1½ cups of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work beautifully) and ½ cup of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans. The mushrooms provide umami depth while the nuts add protein and textural contrast. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth and consider adding 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a subtle savory boost.

Spiced Cranberry Sausage Stuffing Balls
For a heartier twist, substitute half the turkey with 1 cup of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage. Enhance the flavor profile with ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves to complement the cranberries and create holiday cranberry turkey sausage stuffing balls that evoke the warmth of seasonal spices.

Storage and Serving

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Serve these versatile bites with cranberry sauce and gravy on a festive platter garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer presentation. For a complete meal, arrange them alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, drizzled with gravy. They also make excellent sandwiches – slice them in half and place on dinner rolls with a spread of cranberry mayo for delightful sliders that elevate lunch to special occasion status.

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, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating when ready to serve.

How do I prevent my stuffing balls from falling apart?
Ensure your mixture has adequate binding by using eggs as directed. If they’re still crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of broth. Chilling the formed balls for at least 30 minutes before baking is crucial for structural integrity.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Substitute ¾ cup of dried cranberries for the fresh ones. Consider soaking them in 2 tablespoons of orange juice for 10 minutes first to plump them up and add brightness.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
You can make these with packaged stuffing mix prepared according to package directions, then cooled before proceeding with the recipe. For best flavor, enhance with extra fresh herbs.

Can I deep-fry instead of baking these stuffing balls?
Yes, deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Ensure they’re well-chilled before frying to maintain their shape in the hot oil.

Conclusion

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are comfort food at its finest — transforming familiar holiday flavors into irresistible bite-sized treasures that bridge the gap between elegant entertaining and cozy family meals. They’re the kind of dish that makes leftovers more exciting than the original feast, prompting guests to ask for the recipe while secretly hoping you’ll have extras they can take home. With their perfect balance of savory herbs, tender turkey, and bright cranberry bursts, these stuffing balls capture the essence of holiday tradition in each golden-brown bite.

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