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.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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