Holiday gatherings call for dishes that bring people together, and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls do just that in every sense. Savor the perfect blend of turkey and cranberries in these delightful stuffing balls! They represent the best of the season: savory warmth, festive cheer, and bite-sized delights designed for sharing around the table. Each mouthwatering ball offers a dance of juicy, lean ground turkey that carries the rich, earthy notes of dried thyme and sage, while pops of ruby-hued dried cranberries deliver a bright, tart counterpoint that keeps your taste buds on their toes. Once brushed with melted butter, they bake to a luscious golden finish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—inviting everyone to reach for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This beginner-friendly recipe takes just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, 25 minutes in the oven, and a quick 5-minute rest before landing on your plate, making it a hassle-free addition to any holiday menu. At around 350 calories apiece, they’re a perfectly balanced bite that works equally well as an appetizer at a cocktail gathering or a flavor-packed dinner side for your Thanksgiving table.
Since I first tested these festive bites at my last Thanksgiving, they’ve become an absolute showstopper on my holiday table. There’s something incredibly satisfying about rolling the mixture between your palms, feeling the smooth turkey blend transform into uniform balls studded with vibrant specks of cranberries. As the scent of garlic awakens your senses and the herbal whisper of thyme and sage fills the kitchen, anticipation builds with every gentle press of parchment paper lining the baking sheet. I’ll never forget my nephew’s eyes lighting up when I pulled those golden orbs from the oven—he insisted on an encore before he even finished his first serving! The interplay between savory herbs, tender turkey, and the soft chew of dried cranberries creates a symphony of flavors and textures that hits just the right notes. I love offering these balls alongside a bowl of velvety homemade gravy or extra cranberry sauce, inviting guests to customize each bite to their own taste. Whether you’re serving them as a starter, crowd-pleasing snack, or a heartwarming side dish, these stuffing balls are sure to become a new holiday favorite that brings smiles at every gathering.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Every memorable dish begins with quality ingredients, and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are no exception. From the juicy ground turkey to the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries, each component plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible flavor and texture balance. Here’s a rundown of the stars you’ll need:
- Ground Turkey: Provides a lean and tender protein base that soaks up seasonings and keeps each ball moist without leaning into heavy fats.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder to hold the mixture together while absorbing excess moisture, ensuring a soft yet structured texture.
- Dried Cranberries: Deliver sweet-tart pops of flavor and chew that contrast beautifully with the savory turkey and herbs.
- Chicken Broth: Adds extra moisture and depth of savory flavor, preventing dryness and keeping the stuffing balls succulent.
- Minced Onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic bite that melds seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Chopped Celery: Contributes a gentle crunch and fresh vegetal note that brightens each mouthful.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses a bold, pungent kick that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
- Dried Thyme: Offers subtle earthy and lemony undertones that pair perfectly with turkey.
- Dried Sage: Provides a warm, woodsy aroma that is synonymous with classic stuffing flavors.
- Salt: Elevates and balances all other tastes, ensuring each component shines.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and piquant note to round out the seasoning profile.
- Egg: Works as an essential binder to keep the mixture cohesive and help the balls hold their shape.
- Butter: Creates a gorgeous golden crust and a hint of indulgent richness when brushed on top before baking.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Ready to transform these ingredients into irresistible bites? Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out moist, flavorful, and perfectly golden every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, minced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently fold these ingredients so the cranberries and aromatics disperse evenly.
3. Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
4. With dampened hands, shape the mixture into approximately 12 uniform balls and place them evenly across the prepared baking sheet, leaving room for air to circulate and crisp the edges.
5. Brush the tops of each stuffing ball with the melted butter. This step is key to achieving that signature golden-brown finish and extra buttery flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if you have a meat thermometer.
7. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. This rest time helps the balls firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Now that your stuffing balls are fresh out of the oven and glistening with melted butter, the fun part is deciding how to share them with your favorite people. Presentation and accompaniments can elevate these simple bites into a memorable holiday experience. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner, a casual potluck, or simply craving a standout snack, these serving ideas will add extra flair and flavor to every bite:
- Appetizer Platter: Arrange the warm stuffing balls on a decorative platter lined with fresh parsley sprigs. Provide small forks or cocktail picks so guests can nibble them easily while mingling.
- Gravy Dunkers: Serve alongside a pitcher of silky homemade turkey or chicken gravy. Guests can dip each ball for an extra layer of savory richness that complements the cranberries.
- Cranberry Sauce Pairing: Offer individual ramekins of chilled or room-temperature cranberry sauce for a cold-hot contrast. The bright acidity cuts through the buttery exterior for a perfectly balanced mouthful.
- Cheese Board Companion: Incorporate the stuffing balls as part of a festive cheese and charcuterie spread. Nestle them among aged cheeses, mixed nuts, and slices of crusty bread for an eclectic snack table.
HOW TO STORE CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS
Leftovers can be just as delightful as the first round when stored properly. These stuffing balls maintain their flavor and texture for days if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re setting some aside for tomorrow’s lunch or planning to freeze extras for another gathering, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Refrigeration: Place cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Arrange fully cooled balls on a sheet pan in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a resealable freezer bag or container, removing excess air. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Oven Reheat: To preserve crispiness, reheat refrigerated or thawed balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and golden again. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture.
- Microwave Shortcut: For a quick midday snack, place one or two balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. The damp towel helps retain moisture.
CONCLUSION
From gathering your ingredients to pulling those golden-brown orbs out of the oven, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a delightful balance of savory herbs and sweet-tart pops that make every bite feel like a celebration. We’ve covered everything you need: a clear list of key ingredients, step-by-step instructions for shaping and baking, plus ideas for serving and storing your delicious results. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss—15 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of baking, and a brief rest before it’s showtime. Whether you’re aiming to impress at Thanksgiving, add a festive touch to a college potluck, or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, these stuffing balls adapt beautifully. With about 350 calories each and a texture that balances crisp exteriors with juicy interiors, they check all the boxes for taste, convenience, and holiday charm.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe collection for easy reference whenever you’re ready to whip up something special. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to troubleshoot any questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try—or if you have any comments, questions, or feedback—let me know! I love hearing about your kitchen adventures and am here to help if you need tips on substitutions, reheating, or presentation. Happy cooking!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls boast a scrumptious mix of flavors—tender turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, minced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
-
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg to the mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
-
With dampened hands, shape the mixture into approximately 12 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Brush the tops of the stuffing balls with the melted butter to achieve a golden finish when baked.
-
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
-
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- These stuffing balls make a great appetizer or side dish for Thanksgiving or holiday meals.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
- Adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can give extra texture and flavor.
- Serve with a side of homemade gravy or cranberry sauce for added taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
