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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the stuffing balls.
- Crumble bread cubes into a large mixing bowl, then fold in chopped cranberries, diced celery, and minced onion.
- 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.
- Gently integrate the seasoned turkey mixture into the bread and vegetable base, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Shape the combined mixture into compact 1-inch spherical balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- 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