Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a festive twist on classic holiday flavors. These bite-sized treats combine savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs for a deliciously unique appetizer or side dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, they are quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (74°C).

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of poultry seasoning or fresh chopped parsley.
• Substitute dried cherries or raisins if you prefer a different dried fruit.
• To make these stuffing balls spicier, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Use gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Serve with cranberry sauce or a savory gravy for added moisture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best freshness.

Are these stuffing balls suitable for kids?

Absolutely. Their mild flavors and bite-sized form make them perfect for children. Just be sure to adjust seasoning if you prefer less salt or spice.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive and flavorful twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Featuring a blend of savory ground turkey, dried cranberries, herbs, and bread cubes, these bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make an ideal appetizer, side dish, or party snack during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Liquids & Fats

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Binders & Seasoning

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the stuffing balls.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Stir these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
3. Prepare Turkey Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted unsalted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to combine thoroughly.
4. Mix Both Mixtures: Add the prepared turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and form a consistent mixture.
5. Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
6. Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce or gravy for extra festive flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the internal temperature of the stuffing balls reaches 160°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• You can customize the recipe by adding red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
• For a nut-free version, omit any nuts if you choose to add them as a modification.
• These stuffing balls can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or part of a buffet.
• They store well and can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Keywords: Cranberry stuffing balls, turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas side dishes, bite-sized stuffing, savory cranberry turkey