Cranberry turkey stuffing balls have officially become my go-to appetizer for any fall or holiday gathering, and I think you’re going to love them too! I remember the first time I made a batch; the aroma of savory herbs, sweet cranberries, and roasted turkey filled my entire house, instantly making it feel cozy and festive. My family couldn’t get enough, devouring them straight off the baking sheet! This recipe for turkey stuffing balls recipe is so simple, transforming leftover stuffing into delightful little bites that are perfect as holiday appetizers. These cranberry and turkey stuffing appetizers are the sweet and savory combination that everyone craves. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- The perfect balance of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
- You can whip up these delicious bites in just 30 minutes total, making them ideal for busy hosts.
- They’re a healthier appetizer option, utilizing lean ground turkey and wholesome ingredients.
- These are incredibly budget-friendly, especially if you use leftover stuffing from another meal.
- As easy cranberry turkey stuffing balls, they’re straightforward enough for beginner cooks to master.
- Kids and adults alike adore these flavorful morsels, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.
- These easy cranberry turkey stuffing balls are versatile enough to be a star appetizer or a hearty side dish.
- They offer a delightful texture contrast – slightly crisp outside, tender inside.
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Gathering these cranberry turkey stuffing balls ingredients is a breeze, and they’re what make these appetizers so special. The lean ground turkey provides a savory base, while the prepared stuffing, which you can use boxed or homemade and make sure it’s cooled, gives us that classic stuffing flavor and helps bind everything together. I love adding dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness and a bit of chewiness, but chopped fresh cranberries work too if that’s what you have on hand. An egg acts as the binder, and a mix of fresh parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder brings all the savory notes. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! For an extra savory kick, you can mix in about ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. These are all the key cranberry turkey stuffing balls ingredients you’ll need for success!
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Preparing these delightful bites is a straightforward process that guarantees a delicious outcome. It’s truly rewarding to see how simple ingredients come together to create such a festive appetizer. My favorite part is the aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake – a true sign of holidays to come! Let’s get started on making these fantastic homemade turkey stuffing balls with cranberry.
Oven-Baked Method
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper; it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents any sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the 1 lb ground turkey, 1½ cups prepared stuffing (make sure it’s cooled!), 1 large egg, ½ cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. My best advice here is to mix everything gently with your hands until it’s *just* combined. Overmixing can make your stuffing balls tough, and we want them tender and delightful.
- Step 3: Now, it’s time to form them! I usually scoop about 1½-inch portions of the mixture and roll them between my palms to create neat little balls. Place these evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This is where the magic of homemade turkey stuffing balls with cranberry really starts to take shape visually!
- Step 4: Bake these beauties for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a thermometer. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Step 5: Serve them warm! They are absolutely delicious on their own, but a little dollop of turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce on the side takes them to the next level.
Air Fryer Option
For an even quicker crisp, you can use your air fryer! Simply arrange the formed balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you might need to work in batches). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, remembering to shake the basket halfway through for even browning. They come out wonderfully crisp!
Slow Cooker Option
If you’re making a big holiday spread and want to keep these warm, the slow cooker is your friend. You can either add the fully cooked balls to the slow cooker with some turkey gravy, or you can place raw balls in the slow cooker with gravy and cook on low for 2–3 hours until cooked through. This is a fantastic way to keep them ready for guests.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make these cranberry turkey stuffing balls absolutely perfect every time. Following these cranberry turkey stuffing balls cooking tips will ensure you get tender, flavorful bites that impress everyone.
- Always use slightly cooled stuffing. Warm stuffing can make the mixture too wet and harder to form into balls.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients! Gently combining them is key to maintaining a tender texture, preventing them from becoming dense.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of sage to the mix.
- Ensure your ground turkey is not too lean; 85% to 93% lean provides the best moisture and flavor without being greasy.
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
The real secret to perfect holiday appetizer cranberry turkey stuffing balls is the gentle mixing and using slightly cooled stuffing. This combination ensures they stay moist and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of binding from the egg and turkey.
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these make ahead cranberry turkey stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance. Form the balls and store them covered in the refrigerator on the baking sheet. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
The most common pitfalls in any turkey stuffing balls recipe are overmixing, which leads to a tough texture, and using stuffing that’s too hot. Also, make sure to bake them until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached for food safety. For more information on safe food temperatures, you can check out resources from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These delightful bites are incredibly versatile, shining as both appetizers and a comforting side dish. For a classic holiday spread, I love serving them warm alongside a rich turkey gravy or a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce – they truly are the perfect cranberry and turkey stuffing appetizers. You can also arrange them on a platter with other finger foods for a festive appetizer board. If you’re serving them as a side, they pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Their savory and slightly sweet flavor profile complements a variety of holiday dishes beautifully. For a similar comforting side, consider trying our Southern Baked Macaroni Cheese.
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
When enjoying these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. Each serving is about one ball, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content, helping you understand the components of this popular holiday appetizer.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of stuffing and turkey.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
One of the best things about these cranberry turkey stuffing balls is how easy they are to handle for make-ahead meals. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules. If you want to keep them even longer, these make ahead cranberry turkey stuffing balls freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheating is simple! For refrigerated balls, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Frozen balls will need a bit longer, around 15-20 minutes at the same temperature. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. For another great make-ahead option, check out our Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with different types of stuffing?
Absolutely! While a classic bread-based stuffing works wonderfully, you can get creative with your cranberry turkey stuffing balls. Cornbread stuffing adds a slightly sweet, crumbly texture, while a sourdough stuffing brings a nice tang. Just ensure your chosen stuffing is prepared and cooled before mixing it into the turkey mixture.
What other herbs can I use in Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
The herb profile for these cranberry turkey stuffing balls is quite flexible. Beyond the thyme and parsley, consider adding a pinch of sage, which is a classic pairing with turkey and stuffing. Rosemary, finely chopped, also adds a lovely piney note. Experimenting with your favorite savory herbs will only enhance the flavor!
How can I make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls vegetarian or vegan?
To make these cranberry turkey stuffing balls vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey and use an extra cup of prepared stuffing, perhaps mixed with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground substitute. For a vegan version, ensure your stuffing is vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of a chicken egg, and omit any optional cheese.
What side dishes pair well with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are fantastic on their own, but they also make a great addition to a larger meal. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, a simple green salad, or even a hearty lentil soup. They really round out a festive holiday plate! If you’re looking for another delicious side, our Smoked Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
Variations of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls You Can Try
I love how adaptable these little bites are! You can easily customize them to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For those looking for lighter options, consider these variations. Making gluten-free cranberry turkey stuffing balls is super simple – just swap out the regular stuffing for a gluten-free bread or cornbread stuffing mix. It tastes just as delicious! You might also enjoy our 7 Irresistible Keto Coconut Macaroons for a gluten-free treat.
Another fun twist is to add finely chopped apples or pears for an extra layer of fruity sweetness that complements the cranberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a spicy kick with a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and use a finely chopped mushroom and vegetable mix as the base; they still hold together beautifully and offer a wonderful savory flavor, making them excellent vegetarian cranberry turkey stuffing balls. For a different kind of savory bite, explore our Irresistible Korean Mexican Shrimp.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: 30 Min Yum
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16–18 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive holiday favorite, combining ground turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, and savory herbs into easy-to-make, flavorful bites. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85–93% lean)
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional for serving: turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, stuffing, egg, cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
- Form Balls: Scoop 1½-inch portions and roll into balls. Place evenly on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place cooked or raw balls in slow cooker with gravy; cook on low for 2–3 hours.
Notes
- Use leftover stuffing for extra holiday flavor.
- For gluten-free, choose gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Add chopped apples, raisins, nuts, or cheese for variation.
- Freeze before or after baking; reheat in oven or air fryer.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, salads, soups, or holiday sides for a full meal.
- Avoid overmixing to keep stuffing balls tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball