If you’re searching for a delightful twist on traditional stuffing that bursts with festive flavors, then this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is going to steal the show at your next meal. Imagine tender turkey mingling with savory stuffing, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of fresh parsley, all baked to golden perfection in handy, bite-sized balls. These little gems make holiday entertaining a breeze, offering a comforting blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe, it will become your new favorite side or snack to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls shine. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, moisture, and color, making the recipe both simple and impressive.
- 2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, this adds hearty protein and a delicious meaty base.
- 3 cups prepared stuffing: The foundation of the balls, bringing that classic savory flavor and structure.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a burst of sweetness and festive color to every bite.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth): Keeps the mixture moist and adds extra depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup peas (optional): A pop of green and subtle sweetness for added texture and color contrast.
- 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the flavors with a touch of herbaceous freshness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the overall taste.
- Cranberry sauce (for serving): Provides the perfect tangy dip that complements the stuffing balls beautifully.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and steady for baking the stuffing balls to golden perfection, setting the stage for that delicious crispy exterior.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas if you’re using them, the beaten egg, and chicken broth. Stir everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a cohesive, moist mixture that’s easy to shape.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Take generous golf ball-sized portions of the mixture and roll them gently between your hands until you get smooth, compact balls. Place each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let these beauties bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a wonderful golden brown and are heated through, offering crispy edges with a tender center.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the balls with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve piping hot alongside a bowl of cranberry sauce, perfect for dipping and enhancing every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkle on top just before serving add a lovely herbal note that brightens the dish. For a festive touch, try a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan or a drizzle of melted butter to make these stuffing balls shine on your table.
Side Dishes
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. They also work brilliantly alongside a simple bowl of soup or a fresh fruit chutney, complementing their sweet and savory profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these stuffing balls on skewers with alternating pieces of roasted vegetables or cranberry-glazed meatballs for a tempting appetizer platter. You can even place them in mini muffin tins for a neat, crowd-pleasing finger food presentation at holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick snacks or easy additions to lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked stuffing balls on a tray with some space apart and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents clumping and lets you enjoy these tasty treats anytime, keeping well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, bake the stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Alternatively, microwave them covered for 1-2 minutes, but baking restores their delightful texture better.
FAQs
Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the turkey for sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as flavorful.
Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
Yes, leftover stuffing works perfectly here. Just make sure it’s not too dry—add a splash of broth if needed to help bind the mixture together for easy rolling.
What kind of stuffing is best to use?
Traditional bread stuffing with herbs works beautifully, especially if it’s moist but not soggy. You can use store-bought or homemade stuffing depending on your preference.
Can I bake these stuffing balls ahead of time?
You can shape the balls a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, then bake them fresh just before serving to ensure they stay golden and crispy.
Are these stuffing balls kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the fun size and the mild, familiar flavors. The slight sweetness from cranberries often wins them over, making this recipe a great way to introduce new textures.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about cozy, wholesome food made easy, and this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe captures that spirit to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a fresh holiday side or a tasty snack, these little bites deliver joy with every mouthful. Give them a try and watch how they become a beloved staple on your table — trust me, once you share these, they won’t last long!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive appetizer or side dish, combining savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries. Baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a comforting bite-sized treat served with tangy cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1/4 cup peas (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cranberry sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas if using, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Stuffing Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through in the center.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffing balls with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping to enjoy a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add a little more broth if the mixture feels too dry before forming the balls.
- The peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and texture.
- Make sure the turkey is fully cooked and chilled before mixing to help the balls hold together better.
- If you want a crispier exterior, you can broil the balls for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These balls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
