Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish. Packed with tender turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. These easy-to-make balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Mix well to distribute evenly.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, blend the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the turkey mixture to the bread mixture and gently combine until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: Shape the combined mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a tasty side or appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For added moisture and flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or replace chicken broth with turkey broth.
• Use gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe gluten-free without altering the taste.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the turkey mixture.
• If you prefer, swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a different protein base.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly and bake when ready.

Are these stuffing balls suitable for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! They make a flavorful and convenient alternative to traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday dinners or anytime you want a comforting side.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a flavorful and festive appetizer or side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining lean ground turkey with savory herbs, dried cranberries, and traditional stuffing ingredients, these bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection for a deliciously moist and tender treat with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 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

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly and to a perfect golden brown.
2. Mix bread and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Stir these together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare turkey mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors and ensure the turkey is well seasoned and moist.
4. Combine mixtures: Add the turkey mixture to the bowl with the bread and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until fully combined, making sure the bread absorbs the moisture and the seasoning is evenly spread.
5. Form balls: Shape the combined mixture into 1 ½-inch balls using your hands, making them uniform in size for even cooking. Place the formed balls spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and have turned a nice golden brown on the outside.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving as a delicious appetizer or side dish for your meal.

Notes

• You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different sweet note.
• If you want a crispier exterior, briefly broil the stuffing balls for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey and chicken broth with a plant-based alternative and vegetable broth.
• Use gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, Thanksgiving side dish, baked stuffing balls