Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an absolute game changer. Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of turkey and stuffing, with just the right hint of tart dried cranberries, they’re like a Thanksgiving feast in one delicious bite. Whether you’re wanting to jazz up your holiday spread or simply craving something cozy and flavorful, these stuffing balls bring irresistible texture and color that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, richness, and texture. The components are simple but thoughtfully chosen to deliver that nostalgic holiday comfort with a fresh twist.

• 2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, it adds savory protein and hearty substance to every bite.
• 3 cups prepared stuffing: The flavor base that brings moisture, herbs, and that classic stuffing taste we all love.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Their natural tart sweetness cuts through the richness, brightening up the dish.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth): Adds moisture to help bind the ingredients and deepen savory notes.
• 1/4 cup peas (optional): A little pop of color and fresh sweetness for added texture.
• 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to help the balls hold their shape during baking.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a touch of herbal brightness and a beautiful green contrast.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Cranberry sauce (for serving): Perfect as a tangy dip to round out each bite.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven at the right temperature ensures that your stuffing balls will bake evenly, getting golden and crisp on the outside while staying moist and tender inside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas if you’re using them, beaten egg, and chicken broth. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so each bite will have all those wonderful flavors mingling. This mix is your stuffing ball batter — the magic is in the balance of moisture and binding.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Now comes the fun part! Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Don’t worry about being perfectly uniform; rustic charm always wins in comfort food. Place each ball carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cranberry turkey stuffing balls for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside turns beautifully golden brown and they feel firm to the touch. This baking step crisps up the stuffing exterior, creating a delightful contrast to the tender center.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, garnish these little delights with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve warm alongside cranberry sauce for dipping to add an extra layer of sweet tartness that complements the savory flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also sprinkle some finely chopped chives or a little cracked black pepper on top. These small touches brighten the appearance and add a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich stuffing.

Side Dishes

These stuffing balls play well with traditional holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or creamy mashed potatoes. The fruity tang of cranberry sauce helps cut through the richness, making the whole meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, serve the cranberry turkey stuffing balls on a platter with small bowls of various dips like a spicy mustard mayo or a tangy orange aioli alongside cranberry sauce. Another fun idea is to skewer them with toothpicks and sprinkle with chopped nuts or pomegranate seeds for added texture and sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect ready-to-eat snack or quick side on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover or pre-made stuffing balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they hold their shape and texture. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain their crisp exterior, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect here. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture in the stuffing balls.

Can I make cranberry turkey stuffing balls vegetarian?

You can substitute the turkey with plant-based alternatives like cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just keep the egg or use an egg replacer to help bind the mixture.

Are these stuffing balls suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes! Form the balls, freeze them on a tray until firm, then store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time so they cook through evenly.

What can I serve instead of cranberry sauce?

If you want to switch things up, a tangy orange marmalade or a homemade apple chutney works beautifully for dipping. They offer a similar sweet-tart contrast that pairs well with the savory stuffing balls.

Is it necessary to include peas in the recipe?

Not at all! Peas are optional and just add little bursts of sweetness and color. If you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, feel free to skip them without affecting the overall flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is like inviting a cozy holiday hug to your table. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy any time you want that classic autumnal feast feeling. Grab your ingredients, get mixing, and watch these delightful bites become your new favorite tradition.

Print