If you’re searching for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that bursts with flavor and cozy holiday vibes, look no further than this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe. These little bites of joy bring together tender turkey, tart dried cranberries, and savory stuffing in perfect harmony, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these stuffing balls are the kind of dish that sparks smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from adding moisture and texture to brightening the dish with color and flavor. The list is simple, but each item brings something special to the table, making these stuffing balls unforgettable.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups): Provides hearty protein and classic holiday flavor, shredded or chopped for easy mixing.
- Prepared stuffing (3 cups): The savory base that gives structure and loads of comforting taste.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Offer a sweet-tart pop that balances the richness perfectly.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture to keep everything tender and cohesive as you bake.
- Peas (1/4 cup, optional): Bring a touch of freshness and a subtle sweetness if you like a bit of green in your dish.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together for easy rolling and baking.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of color and an herbaceous finish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate every flavor.
- Cranberry sauce (for serving): The perfect tangy dip to complement your stuffing balls.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your stuffing balls a beautiful golden crust as soon as they go in. A good oven temperature is key for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas if you’re using them, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Take your time to mix everything evenly so every bite bursts with balanced flavors and a pleasant texture.
Step 3: Form the Balls
With clean hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. This size is perfect for even baking and easy serving. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space so they cook evenly without sticking together.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cranberry turkey stuffing balls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside. This baking step gives them a slight crispness that makes each bite wonderfully satisfying.
Step 5: Serve Your Delightful Creation
Once baked, your stuffing balls are ready to be enjoyed! Garnish them with chopped fresh parsley to add brightness and a festive touch. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce—dipping these balls into that sweet and tangy sauce is an absolute must.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green that visually wakes up this dish, while also lending a subtle herbal flavor. You can sprinkle a little toasted pecans or a few extra dried cranberries on top if you want to impress guests with extra texture and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls are versatile enough to pair beautifully with traditional holiday sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. They also shine alongside cranberry sauce and warm gravy, creating a comforting and complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party appetizer, serve the cranberry turkey stuffing balls on a platter with toothpicks. Alternatively, layer them in a stylish casserole dish for a casual family buffet. They work just as well on a holiday charcuterie board for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, pop any leftover stuffing balls into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the oven will better restore their delightful crisp outside.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using your perfectly cooked leftover turkey is ideal and makes this recipe a fantastic way to reduce food waste while creating something special.
Are peas necessary in this recipe?
Peas add a nice touch of color and a subtle sweetness, but they are optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer or want to keep the recipe simpler.
Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the turkey with hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t have prepared stuffing?
You can make homemade stuffing ahead or buy boxed stuffing mix prepared as instructed. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing to get the best texture.
How should I serve the cranberry sauce?
Serve cranberry sauce on the side in a small bowl for dipping or drizzle a little on top of each stuffing ball for added sweetness and color. Either way, it complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and creativity that’s sure to become a new favorite on your holiday table and beyond. Once you taste those tender bites studded with sweet cranberries and turkey, you’ll want to make it year after year.
Print
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, combining shredded turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs into bite-sized baked treats. Perfect as a festive appetizer or a comforting side dish, they offer a juicy, flavorful bite that pairs beautifully 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
- Cranberry sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing balls.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas (if using), beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, ensuring they hold together well. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the outside and are heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm alongside cranberry sauce for dipping, enhancing their sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- You can use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it poultry-free.
- Peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Make sure the mixture is moist enough to hold the balls together; add more broth if needed.
- For a crispier exterior, brush the balls lightly with melted butter before baking.
- Cranberry sauce on the side enhances the sweet-tart contrast perfectly.
