There’s something undeniably festive about the combination of tender turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs all rolled into a bite-sized treat. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are like little treasures of comfort and flavor, perfect for bringing people together around the table. The soft, savory interior contrasts beautifully with the golden brown, crispy exterior, making every mouthful an adventure of textures. Whether you’re planning a grand Thanksgiving spread or simply craving a cozy weeknight dinner, you’ll love how quickly these come together—just 30 minutes of prep, 25 minutes in the oven, and a brief 5-minute rest before serving.
On top of being a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a breeze for cooks of any skill level. Classified as Beginner difficulty, it requires no special techniques—just basic chopping, sautéing, and mixing—but delivers gourmet results. Each serving clocks in at around 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free option when you’re looking to indulge without overdoing it. Because they’re shaped into neat, golf ball-sized orbs, these stuffing balls double as a fun appetizer or a hearty dinner side. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to, whether the calendar says “holiday” or just “Tuesday night.” Get ready to transform ordinary leftovers into something truly magical!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Let’s break down what makes these stuffing balls so irresistible. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavor and texture, from the rich base of butter to the vibrant pop of dried cranberries. Here’s what you need and why:
- Butter
Brings a rich, creamy base and helps sauté vegetables to golden perfection, ensuring every bite is luscious and well-seasoned.
- Onion
Adds natural sweetness and depth when finely chopped and gently cooked, forming the aromatic foundation of the stuffing mix.
- Celery
Contributes a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal undertones. When chopped and sautéed, it balances richer elements like butter and turkey.
- Garlic
Infuses a savory zing that wakes up your taste buds. Minced garlic disperses easily, giving each stuffing ball a gentle kick.
- Day-old Bread Cubes
Serve as the hearty structure for these balls. Slightly stale bread absorbs liquids without becoming mushy, creating that perfect soft-inside texture.
- Dried Cranberries
Introduce bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful red hue. They impart chewiness and festive flair to every sphere.
- Fresh Parsley
Offers bright, green freshness and a hint of color contrast. Chopped parsley lifts the overall flavor profile with a subtle earthiness.
- Dried Sage
Provides a classic, savory herb note often associated with traditional stuffing. Its earthy aroma complements turkey beautifully.
- Dried Thyme
Delivers mild, minty undertones that harmonize the richer ingredients, adding sophistication to each bite.
- Salt
Enhances all the natural flavors and ensures your stuffing balls aren’t bland, bringing harmony to the savory and sweet ingredients.
- Black Pepper
Lends a gentle heat and slight pungency, balancing the sweetness of cranberries and the richness of butter.
- Cooked Turkey
The star protein. Shredded turkey adds hearty substance, making these balls feel like a full meal rather than just a side.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth
Moistens the mixture without drowning it, helping the bread cubes bind together while infusing extra savory depth.
- Eggs
Act as natural binders, holding the stuffing mixture together during baking so each ball stays intact and doesn’t crumble apart.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to transform them into golden, crispy bites bursting with flavor. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your stuffing balls turn out perfectly every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface that ensures easy removal and crisp bottoms.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and tender, about 5 minutes—you want them soft, not browned, to preserve their sweet, mellow flavor.
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a spacious mixing bowl. Alongside them, add the day-old bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, distributing each ingredient so every cube carries a bit of herb, fruit, and seasoning.
4. Gently fold the shredded turkey into the seasoned bread mixture, using a spatula or your hands until the turkey is evenly dispersed throughout the bread and veggie base.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken or turkey broth, about 1/4 cup at a time. Stir continuously so the liquid absorbs evenly, softening the bread without making it soggy. Stop when the mixture holds together nicely but isn’t wet.
6. Drizzle in the beaten eggs, then stir until every crumb is coated. The eggs act as a glue that helps these balls maintain their shape as they bake.
7. Lightly dust your hands with flour or oil, then form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, packing them gently so they don’t fall apart. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them just enough to brown on all sides.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the exterior turns golden brown and develops a crisp shell, while the interior remains tender.
9. Remove the sheet from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool for a few minutes on the pan—this resting time ensures they firm up slightly and makes them easier to transfer to a serving platter.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
When it comes to presenting these stuffing balls, you can let your creativity shine. They’re versatile enough to serve as a dazzling appetizer or a cozy side dish. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Festive Appetizer Platter
Arrange the stuffing balls on a large wooden board, interspersed with fresh rosemary sprigs and small bowls of cranberry sauce or herbed aioli for dipping. The contrast of textures and pops of red and green will make your table pop.
- Hearty Dinner Side
Serve alongside roasted turkey or grilled chicken, drizzling any leftover pan juices or a simple gravy over the balls for extra moisture. Add a green salad and roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Holiday Buffet Station
Keep them warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker on the buffet table. Surround with seasonal fruits, nuts, and assorted cheeses to encourage guests to mix and match flavors—perfect for family gatherings.
- Gourmet Sandwich Upgrade
Split a toasted brioche bun, layer with baby spinach leaves, a couple of stuffing balls, and a swipe of Dijon mustard or cranberry chutney. You’ll have a rich, savory-sweet handheld sandwich that’s out of this world.
HOW TO STORE CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Storing your leftovers properly will help you enjoy these stuffing balls days after your initial feast. With a few simple techniques, you can preserve their texture and flavor:
- Refrigeration
Place fully cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to retain the crispy exterior.
- Freezing
Flash-freeze the formed balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to savor them, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Meal-Prep Packs
Individually wrap bundles of 4–6 balls in parchment or foil, then stack in a sealed bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need for smaller gatherings or lunches on the go.
- Steam Reheat
If you prefer a softer bite, place refrigerated stuffing balls in a steamer basket over simmering water for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them moist and tender without drying out.
CONCLUSION
Bringing these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to your table means more than just serving a side dish—it’s about creating memories and sharing warmth with friends and family. We’ve covered everything from the simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to the step-by-step process that yields golden, crispy bites with a soft, herby center. Along the way, you discovered tips for turning leftovers into a brand-new festive treat, learned how to neatly prepare and bind the mixture, and explored creative serving and storage ideas that let you savor them long after the oven cools.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe’s Beginner difficulty and straightforward technique make it accessible to everyone. With just 30 minutes of prep, a quick bake time, and minimal hands-on cooking skills required, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe every holiday season—and even on ordinary weeknights. Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder for any future gatherings, and don’t forget that there’s a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions.
If you give these stuffing balls a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment, share your own twists, or ask for guidance if you run into any hiccups. Your feedback helps build a community of home cooks who learn from each other, and I can’t wait to see all the delicious variations you create in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Description
Bursting with savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs, these stuffing balls are crispy on the outside and soft inside - a must-have for your festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Add the shredded turkey to the bread mixture and stir until combined.
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Gradually add the broth to the bowl, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring continuously, until the bread is softened but not soggy.
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Add the beaten eggs and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance. Simply refrigerate after forming the balls and bake right before serving.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the turkey and turkey broth with mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch.
- These are great as a Thanksgiving side dish or as an appetizer for holiday gatherings.
- You can customize the seasonings to your taste or add other dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
