Welcome to the ultimate holiday side dish that simplifies entertaining! These unique Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing in a convenient, portion-controlled format. You get savory ground turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a festive side, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly easy to prepare, making your holiday cooking stress-free.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, especially its simplicity and delicious taste. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls make holiday meal prep a breeze.
- They offer portion-controlled servings, ideal for individual plates and appetizers.
- Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs.
- These are excellent for holiday entertaining, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner.
- The combination of tender interior and crispy exterior pleases every palate.
- This simple recipe is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
Here are the precise ingredients you will need to create these fantastic Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of the ingredients for your turkey stuffing balls. For bread cubes, you can use fresh, slightly stale, or store-bought pre-cut options. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly first. Fresh cranberries can replace dried ones; use slightly less as they contain more moisture. Feel free to use fresh herbs like 1 tablespoon chopped sage and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, or a pre-made poultry seasoning blend for convenience. Ground chicken or pork work well as meat substitutes, or try a plant-based ground for a vegetarian option. Crumbled cooked sausage can replace some of the ground turkey for a richer flavor. Incorporate different cheeses like sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, or even a little mozzarella for a cheesy twist. Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or marjoram to create unique aromatic profiles.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Gather these essential kitchen items to prepare your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
Creating these delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Prep the Stuffing Base
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In your largest mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are evenly distributed. This forms the flavorful base for your cranberry and turkey stuffing.
Prepare the Turkey Mixture
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted unsalted butter, and the beaten large egg. Add all the specified seasonings: dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the ground turkey, as this can make the turkey stuffing balls tough.
Form the Balls
Now, add the wet turkey mixture to the dry bread cube mixture. Mix everything together until it is well combined and feels slightly moist. The goal is a uniform consistency where all the bread cubes are coated. If the mixture seems too dry to hold its shape, add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Shape the mixture into uniform 1½-inch balls. Place these balls about one inch apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This spacing allows them to brown evenly.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet with your cranberry turkey stuffing balls to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven. You’ll know they are ready when they are cooked through, golden brown on the outside, and have a slightly crispy exterior. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, ground turkey should always be cooked to 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly. Present them warm as a flavorful side dish for your holiday feast or as a hearty, satisfying appetizer.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is easy with a few tricks. To prevent dry stuffing, ensure you have enough moisture in the mixture before baking; add a bit more broth if needed. Avoid overbaking, which also contributes to dryness. For a crispy exterior, arrange the balls with even spacing on the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate. You can easily batch cook these: simply double or triple the recipe. For freezing, either freeze them unbaked on a sheet then transfer to a bag, or bake them fully and freeze. Enhance flavor by adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture, and always taste your mixture before baking to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
These versatile cranberry and turkey stuffing spheres fit many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic addition to any holiday table. Serve them alongside a roasted turkey, baked ham, or a tender beef roast. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and roasted green beans. Offer a sparkling cranberry cider or a light white wine spritzer to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can freeze baked stuffing balls for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Unbaked stuffing balls can also be frozen, then baked from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Add finely diced apples or toasted pecans for extra texture and sweetness. Crumbled cooked sausage can replace some of the ground turkey for a richer flavor. Incorporate different cheeses like sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, or even a little mozzarella for a cheesy twist. Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or marjoram to create unique aromatic profiles.
Nutrition Information
While specific values depend on exact ingredients and portion sizes, these cranberry and turkey stuffing balls offer a good balance. Each serving typically provides a moderate amount of calories and is a great source of protein from the ground turkey. They also contain carbohydrates from the bread and fiber from the cranberries and vegetables. This recipe can be adapted for various dietary considerations by making simple substitutions.
| Nutrient | Estimated Value (per ball, varies) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10 g |
| Fat | 5-7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10-12 g |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls be made ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the mixture, form the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked.
Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing ball recipe?
- Yes, use your favorite bread, like sourdough, whole wheat, or cornbread. Ensure it’s slightly stale or toasted for best results.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
- This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the bread cubes. Substitute with gluten-free bread to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use fresh herbs or cranberries instead?
- Yes, fresh herbs add a brighter flavor; use triple the amount of dried herbs. Fresh cranberries can also be used, but you might need to adjust moisture slightly.
How do I adjust seasoning if using a pre-made stuffing mix?
- Pre-made mixes already contain salt and herbs. Reduce the added salt and sage/thyme, then taste the mixture before forming the cranberry turkey stuffing balls.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are truly a holiday hero, offering convenience, control, and incredible flavor in every bite. They effortlessly combine savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs into a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether served as a delightful appetizer or a memorable side, this recipe makes holiday cooking joyful and simple. Give these cranberry and turkey stuffing balls a try this season, and share your delicious creations with us! We love seeing how you make these festive bites your own.
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and combine well; add more broth if it feels too dry.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking & Serving
- Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.