Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Flavorful Holiday Dish

Name: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups turkey breast, cooked and shredded; 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably whole grain); 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped; 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped; 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 0.25 cup chicken broth (low sodium); 1 spray olive oil for baking

November 8, 2025December 8, 2024 by Natalie

Looking to add a tasty twist to your holiday feast? My Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring a burst of flavor and joy to your table. This fun dish mixes tender turkey with crunchy veggies and sweet cranberries. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can impress your guests with this festive favorite. Ready to dive into this scrumptious recipe? Let’s get started on making your holiday gathering unforgettable!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries perfectly complements the savory turkey and herbs, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover turkey, transforming it into a new, exciting dish that everyone will love.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these stuffing balls come together quickly, making them a great option for busy cooks.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables, making these stuffing balls adaptable to your taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

2 cups turkey breast, cooked and shredded
2 cups bread crumbs (preferably whole grain)
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

These ingredients form the heart of your cranberry turkey stuffing balls. The turkey gives a rich flavor, while the cranberries add a burst of sweetness. Whole grain bread crumbs provide a sturdy base and texture. Onions and celery bring depth, and parsley adds freshness.

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients

1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
Olive oil spray for baking

Seasonings like sage and thyme bring warmth and earthiness. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. Eggs help bind the mixture, while chicken broth adds moisture. A light spray of olive oil will help your stuffing balls brown beautifully in the oven.

Now you have all the ingredients you need for a festive dish that bursts with flavor. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls will impress your guests and bring joy to your holiday table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the stuffing balls cook evenly.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the stuffing balls from sticking.
Chop and measure all your ingredients: turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley. Make sure your pieces are small for a better texture.

Mixing and Forming the Stuffing Balls

In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten eggs and chicken broth together. This adds moisture to the stuffing.
Pour the egg and broth mixture into the large bowl with the turkey mix. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

Baking Instructions

With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely in the oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

To achieve the perfect texture for your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, focus on the mix. Combine the turkey, bread crumbs, and veggies well. This helps bind the mix together. The right ratio of turkey to bread crumbs is key. Aim for about a 1:1 mix. This keeps the balls moist and flavorful, avoiding dryness.

For even cooking, shape the balls uniformly. Try making each one around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook through evenly. When placing them on the baking sheet, give them some space. This allows hot air to circulate around each ball, promoting even browning.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

The best way to serve these stuffing balls is warm. Place them on a decorative platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh look. A small bowl of cranberry sauce on the side makes a great dip. It adds sweetness and tang, enhancing the flavor.

To complement your dish, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. These sides balance the richness of the stuffing balls. A light, zesty dressing on the salad can brighten the meal. Enjoy these flavors together for a delightful holiday feast!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tartness that balances the richness of the turkey and breadcrumbs. If using dried cranberries, reduce the sugar in the recipe to avoid overly sweet stuffing balls.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick, while more herbs can enhance the flavor.
Perfecting the Texture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, mix in a bit more breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is reached for easy shaping.
Make Ahead: These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time. Prepare them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up your turkey and bread crumbs for different tastes. If you want a lighter option, try using rotisserie chicken or even plant-based meat. For bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. Both will work well.

When it comes to cranberries, fresh ones add a nice tartness. But dried cranberries are sweet and chewy. They also work great in this recipe. Just chop them up smaller if you use dried ones.

Flavor Boosting Additions

To make your stuffing balls even tastier, add some herbs and spices. Rosemary and oregano give a nice twist. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for more depth.

If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, mix in a bit of brown sugar or even maple syrup. Both options will give your dish a unique flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If your family loves them, they might not last that long!

Freezing Instructions

To freeze stuffing balls, let them cool completely. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the balls on the sheet, leaving space between them. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove air from the bag before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, take the stuffing balls from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed balls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps them moist and delicious. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!

FAQs

Common Questions About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

What can I substitute for turkey?

You can use chicken, pork, or even a plant-based option. Shredded chicken works very well. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils.

Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. Form the balls and bake them when ready to serve.

How do I ensure my stuffing balls don’t dry out?

To keep them moist, add enough broth and eggs. Be careful not to overbake them.

Cooking and Serving Recommendations

What temperature should they be served at?

Serve the stuffing balls warm, around 160°F. This keeps them tasty and safe to eat.

Can I bake them ahead of time and reheat?

Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

You’ve learned the essentials for making delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step preparations, and tips for perfect results. Don’t forget about variations and proper storage techniques to keep your leftovers tasty. When you try these ideas, I hope they add joy to your meals. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so get creative and enjoy every bite. Your kitchen deserves these tasty treat

$- 2 cups turkey breast, cooked and shredded - 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably whole grain) - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients form the heart of your cranberry turkey stuffing balls. The turkey gives a rich flavor, while the cranberries add a burst of sweetness. Whole grain bread crumbs provide a sturdy base and texture. Onions and celery bring depth, and parsley adds freshness. - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium) - Olive oil spray for baking Seasonings like sage and thyme bring warmth and earthiness. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. Eggs help bind the mixture, while chicken broth adds moisture. A light spray of olive oil will help your stuffing balls brown beautifully in the oven. Now you have all the ingredients you need for a festive dish that bursts with flavor. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls will impress your guests and bring joy to your holiday table. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the stuffing balls cook evenly. - Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the stuffing balls from sticking. - Chop and measure all your ingredients: turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley. Make sure your pieces are small for a better texture. - In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is blended. - In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten eggs and chicken broth together. This adds moisture to the stuffing. - Pour the egg and broth mixture into the large bowl with the turkey mix. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined. - With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through. - Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! To achieve the perfect texture for your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, focus on the mix. Combine the turkey, bread crumbs, and veggies well. This helps bind the mix together. The right ratio of turkey to bread crumbs is key. Aim for about a 1:1 mix. This keeps the balls moist and flavorful, avoiding dryness. For even cooking, shape the balls uniformly. Try making each one around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook through evenly. When placing them on the baking sheet, give them some space. This allows hot air to circulate around each ball, promoting even browning. The best way to serve these stuffing balls is warm. Place them on a decorative platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh look. A small bowl of cranberry sauce on the side makes a great dip. It adds sweetness and tang, enhancing the flavor. To complement your dish, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. These sides balance the richness of the stuffing balls. A light, zesty dressing on the salad can brighten the meal. Enjoy these flavors together for a delightful holiday feast! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tartness that balances the richness of the turkey and breadcrumbs. If using dried cranberries, reduce the sugar in the recipe to avoid overly sweet stuffing balls. Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick, while more herbs can enhance the flavor. Perfecting the Texture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, mix in a bit more breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is reached for easy shaping. Make Ahead: These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time. Prepare them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. {{image_2}} You can switch up your turkey and bread crumbs for different tastes. If you want a lighter option, try using rotisserie chicken or even plant-based meat. For bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. Both will work well. When it comes to cranberries, fresh ones add a nice tartness. But dried cranberries are sweet and chewy. They also work great in this recipe. Just chop them up smaller if you use dried ones. To make your stuffing balls even tastier, add some herbs and spices. Rosemary and oregano give a nice twist. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, mix in a bit of brown sugar or even maple syrup. Both options will give your dish a unique flavor. Store your leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If your family loves them, they might not last that long! To freeze stuffing balls, let them cool completely. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the balls on the sheet, leaving space between them. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove air from the bag before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, take the stuffing balls from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed balls on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps them moist and delicious. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! What can I substitute for turkey? You can use chicken, pork, or even a plant-based option. Shredded chicken works very well. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils. Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. Form the balls and bake them when ready to serve. How do I ensure my stuffing balls don’t dry out? To keep them moist, add enough broth and eggs. Be careful not to overbake them. What temperature should they be served at? Serve the stuffing balls warm, around 160°F. This keeps them tasty and safe to eat. Can I bake them ahead of time and reheat? Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You’ve learned the essentials for making delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step preparations, and tips for perfect results. Don't forget about variations and proper storage techniques to keep your leftovers tasty. When you try these ideas, I hope they add joy to your meals. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so get creative and enjoy every bite. Your kitchen deserves these tasty treats!$