Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
