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.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 balls (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Turkey, Stuffing, Stuffing Balls, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Appetizer, Gluten Free, Make Ahead