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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive and flavorful holiday side dish combining savory turkey stuffing with sweet, tangy cranberries. These bite-sized, golden-brown balls are easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration, offering a balanced taste with fresh herbs and a crispy exterior.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped

Stuffing Base

  • 3 cups stuffing mix (dry or freshly made)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

Binders & Fat

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop onions, celery, and fresh herbs. Shred leftover cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Gather all dry and wet ingredients to streamline the mixing process.
  2. Mix the Stuffing Base: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chopped vegetables, turkey, dried cranberries, and herbs. Add eggs and melted butter gradually and stir until the mixture sticks together but isn’t too wet.
  3. Shape the Stuffing Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized spheres, ensuring they are firmly packed to hold their shape during baking.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Arrange the balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
  5. Let Them Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls rest for a few minutes to firm up, then serve warm as a delightful side or appetizer.

Notes

  • Lightly toast stuffing mix in a skillet before mixing to enhance nutty flavor.
  • Do not overmix to avoid tough, dense balls; combine ingredients gently.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing and even baking.
  • If mixture feels dry, add a splash of broth or an extra egg to help bind.
  • Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cranberry, Turkey, Stuffing, Stuffing Balls, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Appetizer, Gluten Free, Make Ahead