Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on classic stuffing, perfect as a holiday side or appetizer. These bite-sized treats combine savory turkey with sweet cranberries for a flavorful and festive dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, finely diced onion, diced celery, and chopped parsley.
3. Step 3: Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the egg, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined. If it feels dry, add a little more broth gradually.
5. Step 5: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each, roll into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake the stuffing balls for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, ideally with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using turkey stock instead of chicken broth.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and crunch.
• Mix in a little grated cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar for a savory twist.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, to preserve their texture and flavor.

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 mixture and shape the balls a day before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze these stuffing balls?

Absolutely! Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

Delicious and festive Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, combining shredded turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized stuffing balls make for a perfect holiday side or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 18–20 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffing Mixture

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Binding Ingredients

• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped dried cranberries, finely diced onion, diced celery, and chopped fresh parsley.
3. Add seasoning: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the mixture to infuse it with flavor. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
4. Incorporate broth and egg: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the large egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together with an even, moist texture. If the mixture feels too dry, add additional broth gradually.
5. Form stuffing balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, roll it between your palms to form evenly sized spheres. Place each stuffing ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
7. Serve: Enjoy the stuffing balls warm. They pair beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on moisture; the mixture should be moist but not soggy.
• If desired, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
• This recipe works well with leftover roasted turkey or cooked chicken as a substitute.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs.

Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing bites, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, turkey recipe, cranberry recipes