If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday appetizer or a clever way to reinvent those post-feast leftovers, look no further than Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These golden-baked beauties bring together savory turkey, aromatic herbs, fluffy stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries in every bite. With a crisp exterior and a moist, flavor-packed center, they’re a festive crowd-pleaser that’s equally at home on the Thanksgiving table, at a casual family gathering, or as a grab-and-go snack for busy days. Trust me, once you try these, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls might just become a new holiday tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into something brand new and irresistible. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding juicy tenderness, a burst of color, or that classic comfort food flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, finely chopped): A fantastic use for leftover turkey, adding hearty protein and savory depth.
- Prepared stuffing (3 cups, cooled): The backbone of your stuffing balls, providing texture and those nostalgic holiday flavors.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): These little gems bring a sweet-tart pop that balances the richness of the turkey and stuffing.
- Celery (1/4 cup, finely chopped): For a fresh crunch and a classic stuffing aroma, don’t skip the celery!
- Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory background note.
- Large eggs (2, lightly beaten): These help bind everything together, so your stuffing balls hold their shape beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every other flavor in the mix.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little kick of warmth to round things out.
- Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): The classic herb for holiday stuffing, infusing each bite with cozy, woodsy notes.
- Turkey or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and keeps the stuffing balls tender—use as needed.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, optional): Brushing the tops before baking gives a gorgeous golden finish and extra flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the stuffing balls from sticking. Having everything ready to go means you can focus on the fun part: mixing and shaping!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely chopped turkey, cooled stuffing, dried cranberries, celery, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, and thyme. Gently stir everything together until it’s well mixed but not overworked. If the mixture feels a little dry or crumbly, drizzle in the broth bit by bit, just until the mixture holds together when pressed. This step is key to getting that perfect, moist texture in your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.
Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 12 to 14 balls, each about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This is a great time to get the kids involved—rolling the stuffing balls is both fun and a little bit therapeutic!
Step 4: Brush with Butter
If you want a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of your stuffing balls with melted butter. This is optional, but highly recommended for that extra layer of flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. You’ll know they’re ready when they look crisp on the outside and you can smell all those wonderful holiday aromas.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Dress up your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of extra dried thyme. For a festive look, add a few whole cranberries or a drizzle of warm gravy or cranberry sauce over the top. This little extra effort makes your platter pop and brings even more flavor to the table.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffing balls with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. They’re also fantastic alongside classic holiday sauces like homemade gravy or tangy cranberry relish. However you serve them, they fit right in with all your favorite comfort foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, arrange the stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces. You can even skewer them for easy grabbing, or serve them in mini muffin cups for a playful, bite-sized presentation. They’re just as tasty as finger food as they are plated for a formal dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully, so don’t worry if you’ve made a big batch—you’ll be glad to have extras on hand for quick snacks or easy lunches!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the baked (or unbaked) stuffing balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This makes Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday weeks.
Reheating
To reheat from the fridge, pop the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them in a pinch, but the oven helps restore that crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and makes Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls just as delicious. It’s a great swap if you don’t have turkey on hand.
What kind of stuffing works best?
Any classic bread-based stuffing will do. Homemade or store-bought is fine—just make sure it’s cooled before mixing, so the eggs don’t scramble and the texture stays just right.
Do I have to add the cranberries?
The dried cranberries add a wonderful sweet-tart flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or substitute with dried cherries or chopped apples for a twist.
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the balls and refrigerate them up to a day in advance before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. They’re super convenient for prep-ahead holiday entertaining.
How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
The eggs and a bit of broth help bind the mixture. If your mixture feels too dry, add a touch more broth until the balls hold together when pressed. Make sure to chop everything finely for even mixing and easy shaping.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls enough—they’re easy, festive, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just use up some holiday leftovers in a fun new way, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know how your family enjoys them!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a festive appetizer. These bite-sized treats combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, tart dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun snack, they’re easy to prepare and can be made in advance.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (cooled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
Optional
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, celery, onion, eggs, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir gently just until everything is evenly mixed, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, gradually add turkey or chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Shape Balls: With clean hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 12 to 14 balls about 2 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Butter Brush: Brush the tops of each ball lightly with melted butter to encourage browning and add flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These stuffing balls are a perfect way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing from holiday meals.
- You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate or freeze the unbaked balls for convenience.
- If you don’t have turkey, chicken can be used as a substitute with similar results.
- Brushing with melted butter is optional but enhances flavor and browning.
- Serve them as a festive appetizer or party finger food for holiday gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
