Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining ground turkey with sweet dried cranberries and aromatic herbs, they offer a flavorful and moist bite-sized side dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Serve hot as a side dish or as part of your festive meal, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the mixture.
• Try substituting fresh herbs for dried ones to brighten the flavor.
• Make the stuffing balls ahead of time and reheat in the oven just before serving for convenience.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. These can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or pork can be used as substitutes, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Are these stuffing balls suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from thawed for best results.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls make a delightful and savory side dish, combining ground turkey with sweet dried cranberries, aromatic herbs, and breadcrumbs. Baked to a golden brown perfection, they are perfect for holiday meals or any festive occasion, offering a flavorful and moist alternative to traditional stuffing.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Liquids and Binders

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly and thoroughly.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, then add the chopped parsley. Mix everything well until the mixture is fully combined and sticky enough to hold together when shaped.
4. Shape the Balls: Form the mixture into small to medium-sized balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through, reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and have a nice golden brown crust on the outside.
6. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. These stuffing balls can be served hot as a hearty side dish or incorporated into your festive meal spread for a delicious holiday treat.

Notes

• These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving for convenience.
• Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra texture and crunch.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, festive side dish, holiday stuffing recipe, baked stuffing balls