Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

If you’re looking to bring both comfort and celebration to your table in one irresistible bite, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine all your favorite flavors from the holiday feast condensed into one mouthwatering, savory-and-sweet bundle — juicy ground turkey, bursts of tart cranberry, and classic stuffing herbs all rolled up and baked to toasty perfection. These stuffing balls are not just festive, they’re downright addictive, perfect for parties, family dinners, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in. Every bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for just one more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls comes from their simple list of ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating big flavor and crave-worthy texture. Take a look below — most of these might already be in your pantry or fridge!

• Ground turkey (1 lb): The heart of the dish, keeping each ball juicy, light, and packed with protein.
• Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Give a zingy burst of tartness and cheerful pops of color inside every bite.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Essential for binding everything together and creating that classic stuffing feel.
• Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): Adds gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the mix.
• Celery, finely chopped (1 stalk): Lends crunch and that signature stuffing flavor you know and love.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings an irresistible savory aroma to the table.
• Sage, dried (1 tsp): The traditional herb that screams “holiday stuffing!” in every bite.
• Thyme, dried (1 tsp): Adds woodsy warmth and earthiness to the blend.
• Salt (1 tsp): Seasoning that ties all the flavors together in perfect balance.
• Pepper (½ tsp): A gentle kick of heat to round out the seasoning.
• Eggs (2 large): Act as the glue, holding each ball together without being too dense.
• Chicken broth (½ cup): Moistens the stuffing, making every bite tender but not soggy.
• Olive oil (for drizzling): Helps achieve that beautifully golden finish after baking.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first: get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls will bake up evenly, developing that signature golden brown crust without drying out. While the oven heats, you can prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. This is where all the deep flavors come together, creating a stuffing base bursting with holiday comfort and color. Don’t be shy with the mixing — make sure every bit of bread and berry gets coated with those fragrant herbs!

Step 3: Add the Turkey

Add your ground turkey right into the bowl with the stuffing mix. Pour in the chicken broth and crack in the eggs, then use your hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything. Mix just until incorporated — overmixing can make the stuffing balls dense, so a gentle hand is your friend here!

Step 4: Form the Balls

Scoop up a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1½ inches wide. If the mix feels sticky, wet your hands lightly with water — this trick makes shaping each Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Ball a breeze. Arrange your formed balls on a baking sheet, ready for their trip to the oven.

Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil or nonstick spray. Give each stuffing ball a little space so they can crisp up on all sides. For extra crunch and sheen, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the balls once they’re arranged. This finishing touch is what gives them that bakery-case glow!

Step 6: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides turn a beautiful deep golden brown and the kitchen smells like Thanksgiving. Test one to make sure it’s cooked through and juicy in the middle.

Step 7: Serve

Let your stuffing balls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet (this helps them firm up and makes serving easier). Arrange them on your favorite platter, sprinkle with your selected garnish, and get ready for the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Garnishes

The right garnish takes these bites from homemade treat to show-stopping centerpiece! Try a shower of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for color, or grate a little lemon zest over the top for a citrusy lift. For extra festivity, a scattering of whole cranberries or even a dollop of cranberry sauce on each ball adds eye-catching flair and a touch of tang.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls shine alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a vibrant green bean salad. They also make a fabulous addition to a festive buffet, balancing out heavier mains with their bright flavors. Don’t forget a bowl of warm gravy or extra cranberry sauce for dipping — everyone will want to dunk!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these stuffing balls as a party appetizer, threaded onto skewers with roasted veggies for a fun twist, or nestle them into slider buns for irresistibly cute mini sandwiches. They’re also lovely as part of a holiday brunch, tucked next to eggs and toast. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are endlessly versatile, so get creative with your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (it’s rare!), just pop your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay perfectly moist and delicious, ready for snacking or next-day lunches.

Freezing

These stuffing balls freeze wonderfully! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. They’re a lifesaver when you need a quick, comforting meal on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but a few minutes in the oven will help revive their crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you prefer dried cranberries, use about ¾ cup and consider soaking them in a little warm water beforehand to plump them up. This way, you’ll get juicy pops of tart-sweet flavor throughout your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey?

Definitely! While ground turkey keeps things light, ground chicken works just as well. Beef will yield a richer flavor but may slightly overpower the cranberry and herb notes, so balance the seasoning to your taste.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs to make this gluten-free?

Swap the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure they aren’t too finely ground, as a bit of texture is perfect in these stuffing balls.

Is it possible to prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the balls the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake them off when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra few minutes of baking time if putting them straight in from the fridge.

How do I know when the stuffing balls are cooked through?

The balls will be golden and slightly crispy on the outside. For peace of mind, use a meat thermometer — the centers should register at least 165°F for food safety with ground turkey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed bite that celebrates everything delicious about the holiday table, give Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a try. They’re surprisingly simple to pull together and guaranteed to become a family favorite, whether you serve them as a festive appetizer or an anytime treat. Happy cooking and happy sharing!

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