Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and savory side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or any meal. Made with ground turkey, bread cubes, cranberries, and aromatic herbs, they are baked until golden brown and offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 16 balls

Calories 120 kcal

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.

Notes

For best results, ensure the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape but not overly wet. You can adjust the amount of chicken broth if needed. These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and reheated.