Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Delight your guests with these savory and sweet Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls, perfect for any festive gathering.

Vivienne Cole

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:35:54.458Z

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, combining the savory flavor of turkey with the sweet and tart notes of cranberries. These little bites are perfect as appetizers or a side dish for your holiday meals.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberries
  • Great for holiday gatherings and family dinners
  • Easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are an ideal choice for holiday gatherings. Their delightful combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberries brings a unique flavor to the table, making them a memorable addition to any festive spread. These hearty bites can easily impress your guests while providing a comforting taste of home that everyone loves.

Whether you are hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, these stuffing balls are versatile enough to fit any occasion. They can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or even as part of a buffet. Their appealing presentation and delicious taste make them a crowd favorite, ensuring your gathering is a hit.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the best features of Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls is their make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This not only saves you time on the day of your event but also enhances the overall taste of the stuffing balls.

When you’re ready to serve, simply form the mixture into balls and bake them. This easy prep means you can focus on other dishes or enjoy more time with your guests. With such simplicity in preparation, you can ensure that your holiday meal is both delicious and stress-free.

Customizable Ingredients

These stuffing balls are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like apricots or raisins. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, making it easy to put your personal spin on this classic recipe.

For those looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs. This makes the stuffing balls accessible for a wider audience, ensuring that everyone at your gathering can enjoy this delightful treat. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a winner for any kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls

  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl before forming them into balls.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well until fully incorporated.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Bake

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Consider pairing them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as cranberry sauce or a zesty mustard, to add an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

If you want to create a complete meal, serve these stuffing balls alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This combination not only makes for a balanced meal but also ensures that your guests have a delightful variety of flavors and textures to enjoy.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their deliciousness. Place the stuffing balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, allowing you to enjoy them at a later date.

To reheat, simply place the stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps them regain their crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful, making them just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.

Nutritional Benefits

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls not only taste great but also offer several nutritional benefits. Turkey is a lean protein, providing essential amino acids that support muscle health and overall wellness. Additionally, cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and improve overall health.

By incorporating fresh vegetables like onions and celery, you’re adding valuable nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, to the dish. These stuffing balls can be a wholesome addition to your holiday meal, allowing you to indulge without compromising on nutrition.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe!

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with mushrooms or a vegetarian meat substitute.

→ What can I serve these with?

They pair wonderfully with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a side dish with your favorite holiday meal.

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delight your guests with these savory and sweet Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls, perfect for any festive gathering.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Vivienne Cole

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Stuffing Balls

  1. 2 cups bread crumbs
  2. 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
  3. 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  4. 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  5. 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  6. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  10. 1 large egg, beaten
  11. 1/2 cup chicken broth

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 03

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Step 04

Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 15g