Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

When the holiday season rolls around, it’s the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with festive dishes that impress and satisfy. One delightful twist on a classic recipe is Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of traditional stuffing and turkey and transforms them into bite-sized, savory snacks with a hint of sweetness from cranberries. These stuffing balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even as an appetizer for a party.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step directions, tips for success, and the health benefits of this scrumptious dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding to make!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Festive Flavors: Combining the savory taste of turkey and stuffing with the sweetness of cranberries creates a unique holiday flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for any skill level.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These stuffing balls are a hit with guests of all ages and are great for sharing at parties and dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making holiday cooking less stressful.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

To create the perfect balance of flavors in your stuffing balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey – lean protein and a lighter alternative to beef.
• 1 cup stuffing mix – your favorite stuffing, pre-seasoned or homemade.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped – for a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery – adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – brings out the savory flavor in the dish.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth – keeps the mixture moist and flavorful.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of freshness and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage – gives that classic stuffing taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – complements the turkey perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the overall savory profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds just the right amount of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances all the flavors.
• 1 egg, beaten – binds the ingredients together.

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and perfectly textured stuffing ball that is sure to become a staple in your holiday repertoire.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you start mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when your stuffing balls are formed.

2. Mix Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, chopped dried cranberries, celery, onion, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and beaten egg. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

3. Shape the Mixture into Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. The size is perfect for serving as appetizers or as part of a meal. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

4. Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the stuffing balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect as is, but you can also serve them with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping!

Tips for the Best Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

To ensure your stuffing balls come out perfect every time, here are a few tips:

• Use a Cookie Scoop: If you want evenly-sized stuffing balls, use a cookie scoop. This ensures they all cook evenly and look uniform on the serving platter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the stuffing balls dense. Combine the ingredients until just mixed to keep them light and tender.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, place them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, you can toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

One of the best things about these stuffing balls is that they’re not only tasty but also pack some nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits and nutritional information:

Nutrition Details (per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 1-inch diameter)
• Calories: 65 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 28mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 3% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 4% DV

Health Benefits:

• Lean Protein: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Antioxidants: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Low Fat: These stuffing balls are lower in fat compared to traditional stuffing recipes, making them a healthier option during the holiday season.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try recipe for the holiday season. They’re easy to make, full of festive flavors, and offer a fun twist on classic turkey and stuffing. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply preparing a cozy family dinner, these delicious bites are sure to be a hit.

So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Once you serve these stuffing balls, they’ll quickly become a new holiday tradition in your home. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

More Relevant Recipes

• Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
• Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
• Cranberry Apple Margarita

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