Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into an irresistible appetizer everyone will devour. I created this recipe after Thanksgiving when I had containers of stuffing taking over my fridge, and now it’s become a tradition my family requests every year.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these golden, crispy bites. My kitchen smelled like the holidays all over again as they baked to perfection. What makes this turkey stuffing balls recipe so brilliant is how it rescues your day-old stuffing from becoming sad and dry. Instead, you get these perfectly portioned appetizers with crispy exteriors and tender centers loaded with cranberry sweetness. The combination of leftover turkey and traditional stuffing flavors creates comfort food that actually tastes better than the original meal. These stuffing balls work as party appetizers, game day snacks, or even a creative side dish for your next holiday gathering.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Stuffing Balls

I always use day-old stuffing for the best texture in these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Pro tip: if your stuffing is very moist, reduce the broth slightly to prevent soggy balls.

• 4 cups leftover stuffing, crumbled
• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch

For the best results, I recommend using white and dark meat turkey mixed together. The dark meat adds moisture while the white meat provides that classic flavor.

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled stuffing, chopped turkey, dried cranberries, and chopped celery (plus pecans if using). Mix gently with your hands to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The eggs act as a binder while the broth adds moisture.

Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly moistened. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the liquid properly, which prevents the balls from falling apart during baking.

Step 5: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch balls. A small ice cream scoop helps create uniform sizes that cook evenly. You should get about 18-20 stuffing balls from this recipe. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch of space between each ball.

Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through. The exterior should be crispy while the inside remains tender. If you prefer extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Perfect Pairings for Your Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair beautifully with classic holiday sides and comforting accompaniments.

Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce creates the perfect dipping contrast to the savory stuffing flavors.

Turkey Gravy: Rich, warm gravy adds moisture and that classic Thanksgiving taste that makes these turkey stuffing balls even more indulgent.

Green Bean Casserole: The crispy onion topping and creamy beans provide textural variety alongside the best sides for turkey stuffing balls.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and caramelized edges of roasted sprouts balance the sweet cranberries beautifully, creating a well-rounded holiday plate.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy sweet potatoes complement the savory elements and add nutritional value to your appetizer spread.

More Holiday Recipes to Complete Your Festive Spread

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls work beautifully as part of a complete holiday meal lineup. For a cozy appetizer spread before the main course, pair them with our comforting Creamy Potato Soup or elegant Broccoli Cheddar Soup. The warm, velvety soups complement the crispy stuffing balls perfectly and keep guests satisfied while the main dishes finish cooking.

When planning the full holiday dinner, consider serving these stuffing balls alongside hearty mains like our tender Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken, which echoes the sweet-savory cranberry theme, or the impressive Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders for a casual gathering. Round out the menu with crowd-pleasing sides like Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots and Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and Feta for a complete festive feast.

Storing Your Leftover Stuffing Balls

Store uncooked Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. Cooked stuffing balls keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

For reheating, I recommend placing them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method restores the crispy exterior better than microwaving. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.

Pro tip: freeze uncooked turkey stuffing balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Common Questions About Stuffing Balls

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