Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season the smells of cinnamon and cloves drifting through the kitchen, the sound of laughter around the dinner table, and the joy of sharing comfort food made with love. These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect bite-sized celebration of all things cozy and heartwarming.

Imagine tender ground turkey blended with buttery bread cubes, the sweet tang of dried cranberries, and fragrant herbs like sage and thyme. Each ball is golden on the outside, soft and savory in the center, and bursting with the flavors of the holidays. They’re a versatile little wonder serve them as an appetizer for your holiday party, as a fun twist on traditional stuffing for Thanksgiving, or as part of a winter buffet spread.

Best of all? They’re easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are just as delicious reheated perfect for busy holiday cooking schedules.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a creative finger food or add a unique side dish to your holiday feast, these turkey stuffing balls will become a go-to recipe you’ll make year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Flavor in Every Bite – Sweet cranberries, savory herbs, and juicy turkey create the perfect seasonal balance.
• Crowd-Pleasing & Portable – Great for parties, potlucks, or family-style meals.
• Easy to Make Ahead – Prep them the night before and bake when ready.
• Versatile – Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch with salad.
• Kid-Friendly – Familiar flavors in a fun, hand-held format.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: Makes about 18–20 stuffing balls (serves 6–8 as a side or appetizer).

Main Mixture

• 1 pound ground turkey – Lean yet flavorful, a lighter alternative to ground pork or beef.
• 4 cups dried bread cubes – Use store-bought stuffing mix or homemade dried bread cubes.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – Adds bursts of sweetness and festive color.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery – Brings fresh crunch and earthy undertones.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion – Sweetens and deepens the flavor profile.

Binding & Seasoning

• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and helps bind the bread.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Rich flavor and softness.
• 1 large egg, beaten – Essential for binding the mixture together.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage – Classic holiday herb for that unmistakable stuffing taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds subtle floral, earthy notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances flavors without overpowering.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For gentle warmth and depth.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet (for softening vegetables if desired)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small ice cream scoop or tablespoon (for portioning)
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the bread cubes – If using fresh bread, cut into small cubes and dry them in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until crisp but not browned.
3. Combine dry ingredients – In a large bowl, mix the dried bread cubes, cranberries, chopped celery, onion, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the turkey – Gently crumble the ground turkey into the bowl.
5. Mix in wet ingredients – Pour in the chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten egg. Use a spoon or clean hands to combine until the mixture holds together when pressed. Avoid overmixing to keep the stuffing balls tender.
6. Form the stuffing balls – Use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture, rolling gently into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
7. Arrange on baking sheet – Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Serve warm – Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or cool slightly before serving for buffets or finger-food platters.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian – Swap turkey for plant-based ground meat or simply omit and use extra vegetables.
• Gluten-free – Use gluten-free bread cubes or stuffing mix.
• Extra moist – Add a splash more broth if using very dry bread cubes.
• Herb boost – Fresh parsley or rosemary can add brightness and aroma.
• Cheesy twist – Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar for a richer flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Flavor & Texture: These stuffing balls are savory and herby with a gentle sweetness from cranberries. The outside bakes to a light golden crust, while the inside stays moist and tender.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: A fruity Pinot Noir or lightly oaked Chardonnay.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or cranberry spritzer.

Side Dish Ideas:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Nutritional Overview (per serving – 3 stuffing balls)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Values are estimates and vary based on bread type and portion size.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ahead: Form the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freeze before baking: Arrange on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, but chop them finely and reduce the amount to 1/3 cup, as they are more tart.

Q: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely — cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Q: Can I replace the turkey with chicken?
A: Yes, ground chicken works perfectly with the same cooking time.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep bread cubes	10–15 min
Mix ingredients	10 min
Form balls	10 min
Bake	20–25 min
Total	~45–55 min

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday platter: Arrange with rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries for garnish.
• Mini sliders: Serve inside small dinner rolls with cranberry sauce.
• Lunchbox treat: Pack with roasted vegetables and a small salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple & Sausage Stuffing Balls – Swap turkey for mild Italian sausage and add 1/2 cup diced apple.
2. Cheddar & Herb Stuffing Balls – Add shredded cheddar and extra parsley.
3. Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Balls – Stir in finely chopped jalapeño for heat.

Ingredient Spotlight: Sage

Sage is the quintessential holiday herb. When dried, it has a warm, slightly peppery taste with hints of lemon and eucalyptus. For best flavor, store dried sage in an airtight container away from heat and light, and use within six months.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overmix — it keeps the stuffing balls light and tender.
• Use a scoop for even sizes — ensures uniform cooking.
• Taste test the mixture (cook a small patty first) to adjust seasoning before baking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked balls in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from frozen: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, no need to thaw.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving – 3 Balls)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
210	13g	18g	9g	2g

Dietary Notes: Can be made gluten-free with GF bread; dairy-free by omitting butter or using plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect marriage of tradition and creativity familiar holiday stuffing flavors rolled into bite-sized portions. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday dinner, heading to a potluck, or just craving a little taste of the season, these will bring warmth and smiles to your table. With their easy prep, make-ahead convenience, and irresistible flavor, they might just outshine the main course.

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