If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that packs all the festive flavors in every bite, the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is your new best friend. These little bundles bring together tender turkey, vibrant dried cranberries, and savory stuffing into golden, bite-sized delights that are surprisingly simple to make but utterly unforgettable. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a bite of comfort with a twist, these stuffing balls balance sweet and savory with a lovely texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I’m thrilled to share this recipe that turns traditional leftovers into something truly special and crave-worthy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe shine. Each element not only adds its own layer of flavor and texture but also brings a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering bites.
- 2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, this is the hearty protein star of the recipe, adding savory richness.
- 3 cups prepared stuffing: Choose your favorite savory stuffing to provide that classic cozy base.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness beautifully contrast the savory notes and add a festive red hue.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth): Helps moisten the mixture and binds everything together without making it soggy.
- 1/4 cup peas (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely green color boost for visual appeal.
- 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a natural binder, ensuring your stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley adds a pop of herbal brightness and freshness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- Cranberry sauce (for serving): The perfect tangy dip that complements the stuffing balls.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your stuffing balls to bake evenly, achieving that perfect golden crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas if you’re using them, the beaten egg, and chicken broth. Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients meld together into a cohesive mixture. This is where the magic happens — each bite will burst with balanced flavors and textures.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Now it’s time for some hands-on fun! Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. The even sizing helps them cook uniformly and makes them perfect for popping in your mouth or passing around at the table. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for about 20-25 minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden brown on the outside and are heated through in the center. This baking step crisps up the exterior nicely, giving a subtle crunch that complements the tender, juicy inside.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Once fresh from the oven, these stuffing balls are ready to steal the show. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that final touch of color and aroma. Serve alongside cranberry sauce for dipping to add a burst of tang that brightens every bit.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish—it adds a lively green color and a mild herbal note that beautifully balances the savory-sweet profile of the stuffing balls. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of finely chopped rosemary or a light drizzle of melted butter before serving.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Their rich, comforting nature makes them a fantastic companion to dishes that are fresh and light, providing lovely variety in both texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the stuffing balls on a wooden board with small bowls of cranberry sauce, mustard, or even a creamy horseradish dip. Skewer a couple on toothpicks for easy finger food, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy dinners turned festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor and texture nicely for up to 3 days, making great options for next-day snacks or quick meals.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffing balls before baking. Simply shape the balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain their delightful crunch, although it works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey, making it a delicious and resourceful way to enjoy your holiday bounty.
What type of stuffing works best?
Any savory stuffing you enjoy will work well here, whether it’s cornbread, herb, or classic bread stuffing. Just make sure it’s prepared ahead and not too dry to help bind the balls together perfectly.
Can I make these vegetarian?
You can, by substituting the turkey with a plant-based protein or more vegetables, and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The dried cranberries and stuffing remain delicious additions to keep the flavor interesting.
Are the peas necessary?
Peas are optional, but they add a lovely pop of sweetness and color. Feel free to leave them out or swap in other veggies like finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for your own twist.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix everything together and store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This makes the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe very convenient for busy days.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe! It’s a delightful little dish that brings cheer, warmth, and a touch of holiday magic to any table. Once you taste that perfect blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and savory stuffing all baked to golden goodness, you’ll want to make these stuffing balls a regular feature. Gather your ingredients, get your hands a little messy with shaping, and enjoy sharing something truly special with your loved ones.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive appetizer or side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tender cooked turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet dried cranberries, they are baked to golden perfection and served with tangy cranberry sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1/4 cup peas (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cranberry sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffing balls.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, peas (if using), beaten egg, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Scoop the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized portions. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping, adding a vibrant sweet and tart contrast.
Notes
- You can omit the peas if you prefer or substitute with other vegetables like finely chopped carrots or celery.
- Use turkey broth for a more intense flavor if you have it on hand.
- Make sure the stuffing mixture is moist enough to form balls; add more broth if necessary.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing.
