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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Dish Type: Appetizer or side dish
Cuisine: American (Classic Thanksgiving-inspired)
Main Ingredients: Ground turkey, bread cubes or stuffing mix, dried cranberries, celery, onion, herbs, chicken broth
Cooking Method: Oven-baked
Emotional Tone: Cozy, festive, nostalgic, comforting
A Bite-Sized Taste of the Holidays
If you’ve ever sat down to a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner and thought, “I wish I could get all these flavors in one bite,” this recipe is your dream come true. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are warm, golden, and bursting with the cozy flavors of the season. Imagine tender, herbed stuffing wrapped around juicy ground turkey, with little bursts of sweet cranberries in every mouthful. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a holiday gathering.
I first made these for a Friendsgiving potluck, not really expecting much. But the second I set them down, they disappeared. Everyone wanted the recipe. The savory turkey, the crunch of celery, the softness of the stuffing, and the sweetness of cranberries come together so perfectly that they taste like Thanksgiving in a single bite.
What I love most is how easy they are to make. No carving or complicated steps. Just mix, roll, bake, and serve. They’re a fantastic make-ahead dish, too, which makes holiday hosting so much smoother.
Let’s get started and bring a little bit of that holiday magic into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You get the flavors of Thanksgiving without the stress of a full turkey.
- They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- The sweet cranberries balance the savory turkey and herbs beautifully.
- You can make them ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- They’re freezer-friendly, which means less work on the big day.
- Great as a side dish, appetizer, or even the star of the meal.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups cubed bread or boxed stuffing mix (unseasoned if possible)
- 1 cup chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Optional for serving: extra chicken gravy or cranberry sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Stuffing Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. Softening the veggies builds a richer flavor base. - In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, dried cranberries, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, tossing gently until the bread is moist but not soggy.
2. Add the Turkey
- Add the ground turkey and the beaten egg to the bowl.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
Pro tip: Don’t overmix. You want everything to hold together but stay light and tender.
3. Shape the Balls
- Scoop out about ¼ cup of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Pro tip: Slightly damp hands make shaping easier and help prevent sticking.
4. Bake
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden on the outside and the turkey is fully cooked through.
- If you want extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes.
5. Serve
Serve the cranberry turkey stuffing balls warm with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side. They’re perfect on their own or as a festive addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can get too soft.
- Don’t over-saturate the bread with broth. Add just enough to moisten it.
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling if it feels too sticky.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portioning and uniform baking.
- For more flavor, try browning the turkey slightly before mixing it in.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each ball room to crisp up.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes after baking to hold their shape.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes or stuffing mix.
- Vegetarian: Replace turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Extra Flavor: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or cooked sausage.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour or cauliflower rice instead of bread cubes.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
What to Serve With Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- A drizzle of rich turkey gravy
- Classic mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
- Green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Warm dinner rolls with butter
- A fresh cranberry relish for a bright contrast
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Pro tip: If reheating from frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 2 Balls)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
These are a great high-protein, moderate-carb option that can easily fit into holiday or everyday meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much broth and making the mixture soggy.
- Overmixing, which can make the balls dense and tough.
- Skipping the sauté step for the veggies. Raw onion and celery won’t develop the same flavor.
- Making the balls too big. Smaller, even sizes cook more evenly.
- Baking at too low a temperature, which can dry out the turkey.
FAQ: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes. Shred the cooked turkey finely and mix it into the stuffing. You may need a little extra broth to help it bind.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Roll and bake when ready.
Can I freeze these stuffing balls?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
How can I make them extra flavorful?
Use homemade chicken or turkey broth and fresh herbs instead of dried.
What if my mixture is too wet?
Add more bread cubes until it holds together without falling apart.
Can I make these bite-sized for appetizers?
Yes. Use a tablespoon scoop and reduce baking time to about 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about a Thanksgiving feast rolled into one perfect, cozy bite. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and just the right mix of savory and sweet. Whether you serve them as a holiday appetizer, a potluck favorite, or even a fun weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you loved this recipe, try my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Herb Butter Roasted Turkey next.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Delight your guests with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – a perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberries. This gluten-free recipe is a must-try fo…
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat your oven to the specified temperature indicated in the recipe.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, gluten-free bread crumbs, eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cranberry turkey stuffing balls in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional parsley or cranberries if desired, and enjoy these flavorful and festive cranberry turkey stuffing balls!
