Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Hello, friends! Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of a holiday meal wafting through your kitchen? Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that captures that festive spirit in a fun, bite-sized package: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These little gems are a brilliant twist on classic stuffing, combining savory ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and the bright, tart pop of fresh cranberries. They’re perfect for a holiday appetizer, a cozy weeknight dinner side, or even a creative way to use up leftover turkey. They’re surprisingly easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Let’s get rolling!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

A Burst of Festive Flavor in Every Bite:

These stuffing balls are a flavor explosion! The savory, herby notes from the turkey, sage, and thyme are perfectly balanced by the sweet and tart zing of the fresh cranberries. It’s like having the best part of your Thanksgiving plate rolled into one delicious, golden-brown morsel.

Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion:

While they scream “holidays,” these stuffing balls are fantastic year-round. Serve them as an elegant appetizer at a party with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping, pack them for a unique school or work lunch, or pair them with some mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete and satisfying weeknight meal.

Simple to Make and a Total Crowd-Pleaser:

Don’t let their impressive appearance fool you; this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. With simple mixing and rolling, you can have a tray of these ready for the oven in no time. They are always a huge hit with both kids and adults, making them your go-to recipe for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Variations

For a Sausage Lover’s Twist:

Swap the ground turkey for an equal amount of mild or spicy Italian sausage (removed from its casing) for a more traditional, richer flavor. The fennel and spices in the sausage pair wonderfully with the cranberries.

To Make Them Gluten-Free:

Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. The recipe works exactly the same way!

For a Sweet and Savory Kick:

Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples or pears to the mixture. The fruit will soften and caramelize slightly while baking, adding a lovely sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.

How to Prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to go by the time your stuffing balls are formed. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3:

Add the ground turkey to the bowl. Using your hands (clean hands are the best tool here!), gently but thoroughly incorporate the turkey into the breadcrumb and vegetable mixture. Try not to overwork the meat, just mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4:

In a small bowl, whisk the two eggs together. Pour the whisked eggs and the 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the turkey mixture. Mix again with your hands until the liquid is fully absorbed and the mixture is uniformly moist. It should hold together easily when pressed.

Step 5:

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form compact, round balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for a couple of bites and ensures even cooking.

Step 6:

Arrange the formed stuffing balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one so the hot air can circulate and they can brown evenly.

Step 7:

Lightly drizzle or brush the tops of the balls with a little olive oil. This will help them achieve a gorgeous, golden-brown color. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch, cooked through, and beautifully browned.

Step 8:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle and ensuring all those delicious juices stay locked in.

Tips and Tricks

Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Size:

A medium cookie scoop is a game-changer for this recipe. It ensures all your stuffing balls are the same size, which means they will bake at the exact same rate. No more guessing or ending up with some overdone and some underdone!

Don’t Skip the Resting Time:

Letting the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing and before rolling can be helpful. This allows the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the moisture from the egg and broth, resulting in a mixture that’s easier to roll and holds its shape better.

Check for Doneness with a Thermometer:

For absolute precision, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of one of the largest stuffing balls; it should read 165°F (74°C), indicating the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.

How to Serve

As the Ultimate Holiday Appetizer:

Spear each warm stuffing ball with a decorative toothpick and serve them on a platter with a bowl of warmed whole-berry cranberry sauce or creamy gravy on the side for dipping. They will disappear in minutes!

Alongside Your Favorite Holiday Mains:

These are the perfect side dish for roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a prime rib roast. They bring all the classic Thanksgiving stuffing flavors to your plate in a fun, no-fuss format.

For a Cozy Weeknight Meal:

Turn these into a main course by serving 4-5 stuffing balls per person alongside creamy mashed potatoes, simple steamed green beans, and a generous pour of rich turkey gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble and Freeze Before Baking:

You can prepare the stuffing balls completely, arrange them on a baking sheet, and flash-freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from frozen, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Refrigerate for Up to 3 Days:

Keep leftover cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave, air fryer, or a conventional oven until warmed through.

Reheat in the Air Fryer for Best Results:

To recapture that crispy exterior, reheat leftover stuffing balls in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method works far better than a microwave, which can make them soft.

FAQ

I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s a simple, delicious way to make any meal feel a little more special. Happy cooking!

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