Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are my favorite way to make holiday flavors fun and shareable. These bite-sized treats pack all the traditional Thanksgiving tastes into one perfect morsel.

I created these stuffing balls one year when I had leftover turkey and wanted something more exciting than regular stuffing. Rolling the mixture into balls made them crispy on the outside and tender inside. The tart cranberries burst with flavor in every bite, balancing the savory turkey perfectly. Cranberry turkey stuffing balls work as a festive appetizer for holiday gatherings or as a unique side dish that always gets compliments.

Gather These Simple Ingredients

I always use fresh cranberries when they’re in season for the best tart pop. Pro tip: frozen cranberries work just fine if fresh aren’t available.

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Olive oil for drizzling

How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients first to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Add the ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth to the bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together thoroughly. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not feel overly wet. Pro tip: if it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of broth.

Step 4: Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Wetting your hands slightly helps prevent sticking. An ice cream scoop makes portioning easier and keeps the sizes consistent.

Step 5: Place the formed stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for golden browning.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Best Sides for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls complement classic holiday dishes while standing out on their own.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet carrots and parsnips bring earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.

Green Bean Casserole: The creamy, crunchy casserole balances the texture of these tender stuffing balls perfectly.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness echoes the cranberry flavor while adding a smooth, comforting element to your plate.

Arugula Salad with Vinaigrette: Peppery greens with a tangy dressing cut through the richness and refresh your palate between bites.

Complete Holiday Meal Ideas

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for holiday gatherings and leftover turkey transformations. Start the meal with warming bowls of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup or Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup as comforting first courses. For a complete feast, serve alongside the elegant Easy French Onion Pot Roast or hearty Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole.

Round out the holiday spread with fresh Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins on the side.

Storing and Reheating Your Stuffing Balls

Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their texture well when properly stored.

To reheat, place the stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them crispy on the outside. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though they won’t be as crispy.

Pro tip: these freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by adding 5 extra minutes to the oven time.

Stuffing Ball FAQs

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