Can I make these stuffing balls in advance?

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.

What can I use instead of turkey?

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.

What can I serve with these stuffing balls?

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.

Are there any add-ins that would go well with this recipe?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch, while fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley give an extra layer of flavor.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Author: Elina
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