These tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a fun twist on classic stuffing! Packed with juicy turkey, sweet cranberries, and warm spices, they’re great for any meal.
I love making these for Thanksgiving! They’re perfect as a side or even a snack. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy food you can pop right into your mouth? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Cooked turkey is the star of these stuffing balls. For convenience, use leftover turkey or rotisserie turkey. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with mushrooms or a meat alternative for a hearty option.
Stuffing Mix: Using a pre-cooked stuffing mix saves time! If you don’t have it, stale bread can be a great substitute. Just cube and season it with herbs to taste.
Dried Cranberries: The cranberries provide sweetness and a nice chew. If you don’t have cranberries, raisins or chopped dried apricots work well—just keep the sweetness in mind.
Onion and Celery: These add flavor and crunch. If you’re short on these ingredients, leeks or shallots can be substituted for onions. Try adding bell peppers for a twist.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Balls Hold Together?
To make sure your stuffing balls stay intact, it’s all about the moisture and binding agents. The eggs and broth help, but here’s how to make it work best:
- Start with a well-mixed turkey and stuffing base. The mixture should feel moist but not overly wet. If it feels too dry, add a bit more broth.
- When forming the balls, press them firmly together. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
- If they still seem fragile, letting them chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help set their form.
Just remember, a little practice will make perfect! Happy cooking!
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or ground
- 3 cups stuffing mix (herb seasoned, pre-cooked or dried bread cubes)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 3/4 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you will need about 40-45 minutes total from start to finish! It’s a quick and easy way to bring delicious flavors to your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffing balls cook evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, chopped onion, celery, and parsley. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well, bringing those flavors together.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken or turkey broth, beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, sage (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. This mixture will help bind everything together.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over the turkey mixture. Mix well until it’s all combined and holds together when you press it. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash more broth.
5. Shape the Stuffing Balls:
Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Brush with Butter:
To get those lovely brown tops, brush each stuffing ball with melted butter. This will help enhance the flavor and color as they bake.
7. Bake the Stuffing Balls:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and heated through.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up a bit!
9. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if you like. They’re perfect alongside cranberry sauce or gravy and make a delightful addition to any meal!
Enjoy this tasty blend of savory turkey, herbs, and sweet cranberries in every bite! Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a cozy comfort food.
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for these stuffing balls. Just make sure it’s finely chopped or ground for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the mixture a day in advance! Just cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, form the balls and bake them, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These also freeze well! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Stuffing Mix?
Yes! If you don’t have stuffing mix, you can use cubed stale bread seasoned with herbs. Just ensure it’s dried out enough to absorb the liquids in the recipe.
