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

Can I Make These Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked balls for up to 2 months and bake them directly from the freezer when ready.

What Should I Serve with Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?

These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a holiday appetizer alongside cranberry sauce or gravy, or pair them with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and provides a similar flavor profile. You can substitute it in the same quantity as the turkey.

How Long Do These Stuffing Balls Last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispy texture.

Are These Stuffing Balls Gluten-Free?

To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply swap out the stuffing mix for a gluten-free stuffing mix. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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!

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Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive twist on classic stuffing. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they combine savory ground turkey, stuffing mix, and sweet cranberries for a delicious bite.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
  • 1 cup stuffing mix
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the oven time to reach the right temperature while you’re prepping the mixture.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, celery, onion, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and beaten egg. Mix everything together until well combined, making sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
  3. Form Balls: Using your hands (or a cookie scoop for even portions), shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  4. Bake: Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are cooked through and golden brown. They should be firm to the touch and slightly crispy on the outside.
  5. Serve: Once the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These tasty bites are perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something different and delicious.

Notes

  • Stuffing mix: You can use any variety you prefer. If you like more herbs, choose a mix with extra seasoning. You can even make your own stuffing from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious!
  • Fresh or dried herbs: If you don’t have dried sage or thyme, fresh herbs can be substituted. Just double the quantity, as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
  • Make-ahead option: These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen! Just shape the balls and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Serving suggestion: These stuffing balls are delicious with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 1-inch diameter)
  • Calories: 65 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 28mg

Keywords: Holiday turkey stuffing recipe, Cranberry stuffing balls appetizer, Turkey stuffing with cranberries

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