Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe – A Flavorful Holiday Bite

When I first tried making these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, I didn’t expect them to be this good. The mix of juicy turkey, soft bread, and sweet-tart cranberries turned into golden, crisp bites that my whole family loved.

I even froze a few, and they reheated beautifully, which made my life easier during busy days. Honestly, I would choose these over plain stuffing any day.

If you love trying creative holiday recipes, this is a must. And if you enjoy cooking fun dishes like Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe, you’ll adore this one too.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Little tweaks can make these stuffing balls even more delicious. Here are some personal tips from my own kitchen:

• Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread turns soggy, while slightly dry bread holds everything together nicely.
• Don’t skip sautéing the onion and celery. This step adds sweetness and depth that makes the flavor rich and comforting.
• I like brushing them with a bit of olive oil before baking. It gives them that beautiful golden crust without needing to fry.
• If you want a nutty crunch, add pecans or walnuts. I tried it once, and it gave a whole new texture I didn’t know I needed.
• Make a small test patty before shaping all the balls. It helps adjust seasoning so you don’t end up with bland bites.

Variations You Can Try

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil. It keeps the stuffing moist without adding dairy.
• Egg-Free Version: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. I tried this for a friend once, and it still held together well.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip walnuts or pecans if you want an allergy-friendly version. You can add extra cranberries instead.
• Flavor Twist: Add a little orange zest or even dried cherries for a sweet pop of flavor.
• Healthier Choice: Use whole-grain bread instead of white bread for added fiber.

This recipe is flexible, so you can make it your own. If you’re exploring comforting dinner recipes, this one is a perfect addition to your collection.

Equipment You Need

Here’s a quick look at the equipment that makes cooking these stuffing balls simple:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining bread, turkey, and seasonings.
• Large Skillet – To sauté vegetables and cook turkey if raw.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment – Keeps the balls from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wire Rack (optional) – Helps the stuffing balls crisp up on all sides.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Scoop or Tablespoon – Ensures uniform balls for even cooking.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Serving these golden bites is as fun as making them. They look beautiful and taste amazing with the right pairings.

• Serve them warm with turkey gravy or cranberry chutney on the side.
• Add them to a holiday appetizer platter with cheese, crackers, and dips.
• Place them on a bed of greens for a festive presentation.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or orange zest on top for a fresh garnish.
• For a unique twist, serve with a tangy dipping sauce inspired by desserts like Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe – sweet and savory contrasts are always exciting.

Calories Count

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 380 kcal):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 500 mg

How to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Refrigerating

Place cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked or cooked stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen balls directly in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. No need to thaw first; they come out crispy and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has everything you want in a holiday dish. Here are some reasons it’s a favorite in my kitchen:

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, anyone can make this recipe.
• Versatile Dish: Works as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish alongside turkey.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Can be made dairy-free, egg-free, or nut-free without losing flavor.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Recipe: Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully for stress-free entertaining.
• Packed with Holiday Flavor: Every bite is full of herbs, cranberries, and savory turkey goodness.

Ben Carraoli

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate bite-sized holiday treat. Juicy ground turkey blends with herbed bread stuffing, while cranberries add a sweet-tart surprise in every bite. They’re golden, crisp, and packed with cozy Thanksgiving flavors. Perfect as a festive appetizer, snack, or even a side dish, these make-ahead balls can be baked, fried, or air-fried for a crowd-pleasing option.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450 g ground turkey or 2 cups cooked chopped turkey – Ground turkey works best for binding, but leftover roast turkey is perfect for saving time.
• 6 cups day-old bread torn into ½–¾″ cubes – Use sourdough, French, or ciabatta for better texture; avoid fresh bread as it turns soggy.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil for dairy-free – Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
• 1 medium yellow onion finely diced – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves minced – Adds a warm, aromatic kick.
• 1 large celery stalk finely diced – Essential for stuffing-like crunch and freshness.
• 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped (or 1 tsp dried) – Classic holiday herb that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped (or 1 tsp dried) – Adds earthy, woodsy flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped – Balances the richness with freshness.
• 1 tsp kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Provides mild heat and balance.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg optional – Gives subtle warmth and holiday flair.
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten (or flax eggs for egg-free) – Binds the mixture together.
• 1 cup dried cranberries – Sweet-tart pops of flavor; or use cooked fresh cranberries for brightness.
• ½ cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans optional – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
• Zest of 1 orange optional – Brightens flavors and complements cranberries.
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey stock – Keeps mixture moist; add more only if needed.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For brushing or pan-frying ensures golden crispness.
• Optional: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for rolling – Creates an extra crunchy crust.

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until dry but not browned. This helps the stuffing balls hold their shape better. Once done, let the bread cubes cool completely before using.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in sage, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If using raw ground turkey, cook it in the same skillet until browned and crumbly, then drain any excess liquid.
3. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, turkey mixture, cranberries, nuts, and orange zest. Stir in the beaten eggs and pour in the stock gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Let it sit for 8–10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid. Taste a small cooked sample if possible and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
4. Using a scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture into balls. Wet your hands slightly to help shape them tightly. For extra crunch, roll the formed balls lightly in panko breadcrumbs or chopped nuts. This step is optional but gives a wonderful golden crust when baked or fried.
5. If baking, arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack on top. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 18–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet and brown each ball evenly on all sides. You can also air-fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or deep-fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
6. Let the stuffing balls rest for 3–5 minutes to set before serving. Pair them with turkey gravy, cranberry chutney, or Dijon-maple mustard. A sprinkle of parsley and flaky salt on top makes the presentation festive and inviting. These stuffing balls can also be frozen and reheated for later use.