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
Scale
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
