The holiday season calls for memorable dishes that bring family and friends together. Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine the best elements of holiday flavors in a bite-sized, easy-to-serve format. Bursting with tart cranberries, savory turkey, and aromatic herbs, these stuffing balls are a delicious alternative to traditional stuffing. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy Christmas dinner, these little bites are bound to become a crowd favorite. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make them, along with tips, nutritional insights, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Their compact size and savory-sweet flavor profile make them an ideal side dish, appetizer, or snack. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, they’re perfect for any level of home cook. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love them:
- Easy to Make: The recipe doesn’t require complicated steps or advanced cooking techniques.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of herbs, cranberries, and turkey creates a festive, delicious flavor.
- Versatile: These stuffing balls can be served as a main side dish or a finger food at holiday gatherings.
- Healthier Alternative: With lean turkey and low-sodium broth, they’re a lighter choice than many traditional holiday dishes.
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Gathering high-quality ingredients is key to making these turkey stuffing balls as delicious as possible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and flavorful, turkey is a great choice for holiday cooking.
- 4 cups dried bread cubes: Use store-bought or homemade cubes for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a touch of sweetness and a festive look.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery and onion: Essential for adding crunch and aroma.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing balls moist and adds a savory depth.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: For a touch of richness.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the mixture.
- Herbs and spices: 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make stuffing balls that are bursting with holiday cheer!
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls every time:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Combine the dried bread cubes, cranberries, celery, and onion in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Turkey Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients and Form Balls
- Pour the turkey mixture over the bread mixture, using your hands or a spoon to incorporate everything until evenly mixed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of additional chicken broth.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm as a festive side dish or appetizer, perfect for pairing with holiday classics like mashed potatoes and gravy.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
Here are some additional tips to help you make the best cranberry turkey stuffing balls:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality bread cubes make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too aggressively can result in dense stuffing balls, so aim for gentle incorporation.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, feel free to increase the sage or thyme slightly.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and shape the balls a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh flavor and a crispy outer texture.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Wondering if these stuffing balls are as good for you as they taste? They certainly are! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional profile of Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, along with the health benefits of key ingredients.
Nutrition Details (per ball)
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin C: 5%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 5%
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Turkey: High in lean protein, turkey supports muscle growth and provides essential amino acids.
- Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries may help support immune function and reduce inflammation.
- Celery and Onion: These vegetables are high in fiber and provide vitamins like A and C, which are essential for immune health.
FAQs about Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the best results with this recipe.
Yes! You can make the stuffing mixture and shape the balls up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Ground chicken is a great alternative to turkey. It offers a similar texture and flavor profile while still being lean and light.
Definitely! Once cooked, let the stuffing balls cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until warmed through.
These stuffing balls pair well with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a side of cranberry sauce. They also work beautifully as a finger food on a holiday appetizer platter.
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch, while fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley give an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry turkey stuffing balls with traditional holiday sides or even as a standalone appetizer. Their bite-sized format makes them easy for guests to enjoy, and their delicious flavor means they’ll disappear fast! These festive bites are also perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, making them an all-around holiday favorite.
Final Thoughts: A New Holiday Classic
With their unique blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs, Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are destined to become a new holiday classic. They’re versatile, packed with flavor, and bring together the best of holiday ingredients. Add them to your holiday table this year for a memorable side that everyone will love.
These simple, flavorful cranberry turkey stuffing balls offer a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, making them a perfect addition to any festive spread. Their easy preparation, combined with a balance of savory and sweet flavors, ensures they’ll be a hit at any gathering.
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory ground turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs in a bite-sized format. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for holiday gatherings!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cranberries, celery, and onion. This dry mixture will give structure to the stuffing balls.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Combine and Form Balls
- Pour the turkey mixture into the bread cube mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to combine everything until well mixed. The mixture should feel slightly moist but not overly wet—add more chicken broth if needed to reach the right consistency.
- Shape the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Be sure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve these delicious stuffing balls warm. They make an excellent side dish or appetizer that pairs well with holiday classics like mashed potatoes and gravy.
Notes
- Avoid Over-Mixing: When combining the ingredients, be gentle to avoid overworking the mixture. Over-mixing can make the stuffing balls dense.
- Use Quality Bread Cubes: Choose quality dried bread cubes for a great texture. If you’re making your own, consider using slightly stale bread for the best consistency.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans to add a little crunch, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Holiday stuffing balls, Cranberry turkey stuffing, Thanksgiving appetizers