Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, and Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls have been the star of the show for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my grandma would spend all week preparing for the big feast, meticulously crafting these flavor-packed stuffing balls that had us all swooning. The aroma of sage, rosemary, and toasted breadcrumbs would fill the entire house, making our mouths water in anticipation. When she finally brought out the tray, steam rising from the perfectly golden orbs, we’d fight over who got to snag the first one. To this day, I can still taste the burst of tart cranberries mingling with the savory turkey and herbs – it’s a flavor combination that instantly transports me back to those cherished family gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe is truly special because it strikes the ideal balance of textures and flavors. The secret is in the technique – gently folding the ingredients together to keep the stuffing light and fluffy, rather than dense and heavy. This ensures that each of the 24 stuffing balls has a delicate, pillowy center wrapped in a delightfully crisp exterior. The combination of succulent turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates a taste that’s both comforting and elegant.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a nonstick skillet to bring these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls to life. Let’s get started!
1- In the large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey sausage, dried cranberries, toasted breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme. Gently mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, a little at a time, while continuing to fold the mixture. This gentle technique will ensure the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls stay light and airy.
3- Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the stuffing mixture and form it into 24 evenly sized balls, placing them on the baking sheet as you go.
4- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully transfer the stuffing balls to the pan and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the outsides are golden brown.
5- Transfer the seared Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls back to the baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking through.
6- Serve the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, garnished with extra chopped herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out perfectly, be sure not to overmix the ingredients – this can make the texture dense and heavy. Also, resist the urge to pack the balls too tightly, as this can prevent the centers from cooking through. Finally, keep a close eye on them in the skillet to prevent burning, and use a gentle touch when transferring them to the baking sheet.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they’re also delicious any time of year. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham for a classic holiday feast. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Remember, this recipe makes 24 stuffing balls, with each serving being 2 stuffing balls.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the balls in advance and refrigerate them, then bake them off just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Creative Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations
While this classic recipe is hard to beat, you can easily switch up the flavors to suit your tastes. Try using Italian sausage instead of turkey, or swap in dried cherries or apples for the cranberries. For a festive touch, fold in diced butternut squash or chopped pecans. You can also experiment with different herb blends, like rosemary and thyme or sage and parsley.
Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the regular breadcrumbs. For a vegan or vegetarian version, substitute plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for the turkey, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of breadcrumbs and add more finely chopped mushrooms or celery to the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute fresh cranberries for the dried ones?
A: Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces before folding them into the stuffing mixture.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 stuffing balls, with each serving being 2 stuffing balls.
Q: Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance. Assemble the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This makes for easy day-of prep.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the leftover stuffing balls?
A: To reheat the leftover Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds, but the oven method will help them retain their crispy exterior.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls
Description
Savor the flavors of the holidays with these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the classic pairing of cranberries and turkey in a bite-sized, crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cubed bread
– 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked turkey, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. 3. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated.
4. 4. Scoop the mixture and form it into 1-inch balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5. Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. 6. Serve the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, garnished with fresh cranberries and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of melted butter or cream cheese to the mixture.
– Swap out the turkey for cooked chicken or sausage for variation.
– These stuffing balls can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday indulgence, but they’re so delicious that you’ll want to make them year-round. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, these stuffing balls are sure to become a new family favorite. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think – I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!
