Zesty Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crafting delectable cranberry and turkey stuffing balls brings pure culinary magic to your holiday table.

Festive ingredients combine in a playful twist on traditional side dishes.

Savory herbs and tender meat mingle with bright cranberry bursts.

Crispy exterior gives way to a moist, flavorful interior that surprises you.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and celebration.

Seasonal gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and creates memorable moments.

Dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that will wow everyone at your next feast.

Why These Stuffing Balls Are a Festive Win

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These stuffing balls transform traditional holiday flavors into bite-sized delights perfect for parties, gatherings, and potlucks.
• Maximize Nutrition Boost: Packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich ingredients, and wholesome vegetables, these balls offer a balanced and healthier alternative to classic stuffing.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, home cooks can easily assemble these delicious morsels without complex culinary skills.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or game day snack that appeals to both kids and adults, making them a flexible recipe for various meal occasions.

What You Need for the Ultimate Savory Bite

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides the primary protein base for the stuffing balls.

• Bread Cubes: Creates the foundational texture and helps bind the stuffing mixture together.

• Celery, Onion: Add depth of flavor and provide a classic stuffing vegetable base.

• Dried Cranberries: Brings a sweet and tart element to balance the savory turkey.
• Sage, Thyme: Classic herbs that provide traditional stuffing seasonings.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a mild, aromatic flavor to the stuffing balls.

• Egg: Helps to hold the stuffing balls together and provides structure.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps to keep the stuffing moist.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the stuffing balls.

• Fresh Parsley, Rosemary: Adds a fresh, herbal touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Bake These Stuffing Balls Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Craft The Bread Base

• Bread cubes
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped celery
• Diced onion

Gently mix these ingredients until they’re beautifully combined.

Step 3: Prepare The Savory Protein Mixture

• Ground turkey
• Chicken broth
• Melted butter
• Beaten egg
• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Create Stuffing Balls

Pour the turkey mixture into the bread base.

Use your hands to gently combine everything. Roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized orbs.

Place each ball carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the stuffing balls to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or rosemary for an extra touch of elegance.

Serve immediately while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside

• Use day-old bread for better texture and absorption of flavors in the stuffing balls.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread or almond flour.
• Chop cranberries finely to distribute sweetness evenly throughout the stuffing balls.
• Ensure turkey mixture is well-seasoned by tasting a small cooked sample before forming balls.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking.

Flavorful Twists for Holiday Variety

• Herbed Mediterranean Stuffing Spheres: Replace turkey with lamb, swap cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes, and add oregano and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Stuffing Bites: Use ground chicken, incorporate corn kernels, jalapeños, and swap sage for cumin and chili powder to create a zesty southwestern version.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Stuffing Rounds: Substitute ground turkey with finely chopped mixed mushrooms, add quinoa for protein, and include nutritional yeast for a savory vegetarian alternative.
• Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing Balls: Replace ground turkey with mild Italian sausage, add diced apples, and increase sage for a rich autumn-inspired variation.

Pair These Bites with Seasonal Favorites

• Sip Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, slightly sweet apple cider complements the savory turkey stuffing balls perfectly, enhancing the herbal notes of sage and thyme.
• Pair with Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce adds a tangy brightness that echoes the cranberries in the stuffing, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized brussels sprouts provide a complementary vegetable side that balances the rich, meaty texture of the stuffing balls.
• Match with Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with fruity undertones cuts through the richness and picks up the subtle cranberry and herb flavors in the dish.

Save and Reheat Stuffing Balls the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Oven: Spread frozen or refrigerated balls on a baking sheet. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place balls on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between rounds to prevent drying out.

FAQs for Your Holiday Stuffing Sidekick

• Can I use other types of meat for these stuffing balls?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even sausage for different flavor profiles.

• Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Not in the original recipe. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes or breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the mixture. Ensure the mixture is well-combined and compacted when forming balls to help them hold together during baking.

• Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic meets classic comfort in these irresistible Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. Packed with savory turkey, tart cranberries, and herb-infused breadcrumbs, you’ll savor each delightful bite of this crowd-pleasing appetizer that celebrates traditional flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Bread and Dried Fruits:

• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the stuffing balls.
2. Crumble bread cubes into a large mixing bowl, then fold in chopped cranberries, diced celery, and minced onion.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend ground turkey with rich chicken broth, melted butter, whisked egg, and aromatic herbs including sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently integrate the seasoned turkey mixture into the bread and vegetable base, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
5. Shape the combined mixture into compact 1-inch spherical balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the stuffing balls turn a golden-brown color and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving warm, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or delicate rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Make stuffing balls ahead of time by preparing the mixture and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking for deeper flavor infusion.
• Swap bread cubes with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornbread for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use ground chicken as a perfect protein substitute if turkey isn’t available or preferred.
• Enhance moisture by adding extra chicken broth if mixture seems too dry, ensuring tender and juicy stuffing balls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 302
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg