If you’re looking for a delightful twist on holiday classics, the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is an absolute winner that transforms leftover turkey and stuffing into bite-sized bursts of flavor. These golden, savory balls marry the tart sweetness of dried cranberries with tender turkey and aromatic herbs, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself to a nostalgic comfort food. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of texture and taste that’s sure to bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings a unique element, from the juicy turkey and chewy cranberries to the crisp celery and fragrant poultry seasoning, ensuring these stuffing balls are bursting with flavor and perfect texture.
- 2 cups cooked turkey (finely chopped): Don’t underestimate the power of quality turkey—fresh, tender pieces make all the difference.
- 3 cups prepared stuffing mix (cooled): The base that brings heartiness and soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds just the right amount of sweet and tart that dances on your palate.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Offers a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Provides a mild, savory depth that enhances every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the binder to keep these balls perfectly together.
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and adds extra savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that elevates the stuffing experience.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of spice to balance sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter: For brushing—you’ll get that irresistible golden crust and extra richness.
How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step makes cleanup easy and ensures your stuffing balls don’t stick, helping them brown beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped turkey, prepared stuffing mix, dried cranberries, celery, and onion. Crack in the eggs and pour the broth over everything. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning and black pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly to blend all these delicious components until they’re evenly mixed and the texture holds firm when you press some of the mixture together.
Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres. Don’t worry about being perfect—the charm is in the rustic, homemade look! Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush each ball lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This step is crucial for creating that irresistible golden crust and boosting the flavor with a little extra richness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re deeply golden and heated all the way through.
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these cranberry & turkey stuffing balls warm is key to enjoying their full flavor. Top with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions for a bright, fresh finish. A drizzle of warm gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side complements the savory and sweet notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. They also shine alongside a simple soup or stew for a cozy meal that feels just like a warm embrace.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Arrange the stuffing balls on a platter with toothpicks as delightful party hors d’oeuvres. You can also serve them atop a bed of fresh greens or pearl couscous, or even halve them and stuff into mini slider buns for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cranberry & turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy next-day snacks or quick reheated bites.
Freezing
These balls also freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready whenever you crave a warm, comforting bite.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Using an air fryer is another fantastic option to crisp up the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade stuffing instead of prepared stuffing mix?
Absolutely! Homemade stuffing adds a lovely personal touch, just be sure it’s cooled completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have dried cranberries? Can I substitute?
You can swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins if that’s what you have on hand; each will provide a similar sweet-tart contrast.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
The recipe depends on the stuffing mix you use. To make it gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free stuffing or homemade gluten-free bread crumbs.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes! You can combine all the ingredients and shape the balls a day ahead. Store them unbaked in the refrigerator and bake fresh just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat these balls without drying them out?
Reheating in the oven or air fryer is ideal, as it keeps them crispy on the outside and moist inside. Avoid microwaving, which tends to dry them out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough as a tasty way to elevate your holiday leftovers or simply enjoy an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The delightful mix of sweet cranberries and savory turkey all wrapped in a golden crust is just pure comfort food joy. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy classic flavors!
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Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and creative way to use holiday leftovers, combining tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, and sweet dried cranberries into bite-sized baked treats. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these golden stuffing balls are easy to make and pair wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing mix, cooled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Brushing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked turkey, prepared and cooled stuffing mix, dried cranberries, celery, onion, eggs, broth, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well incorporated and holds together when pressed.
- Form balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with oil or butter: Lightly brush each stuffing ball with olive oil or melted butter. This helps to achieve a golden brown color and adds flavor as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These stuffing balls are excellent accompanied by gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Great way to use up holiday leftovers.
- These stuffing balls freeze well; allow them to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture and crispness.
- Can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.
