Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

These delicious cranberry and turkey stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:56:00.956Z

These cranberry and turkey stuffing balls are a festive and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of turkey with the sweet and tart flavor of cranberries. Perfect for any holiday table or as a delightful appetizer, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberries
  • Easy to prepare and great for meal prep
  • Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or side dish
  • Deliciously crispy on the outside and moist on the inside

A Twist on Tradition

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful reimagining of classic stuffing, incorporating sweet and tangy cranberries with the savory flavor of ground turkey. This unique combination results in a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday table. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests and elevate your festive dining experience.

By blending familiar ingredients in a new way, this recipe pays homage to traditional stuffing while adding a modern twist. The inclusion of cranberries introduces a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the turkey, creating a balance that is both hearty and refreshing. This innovative take on stuffing is perfect for those looking to experiment with flavors while still celebrating the beloved classics.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of these stuffing balls is their versatility in meal prep. You can easily make a large batch ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This means you can enjoy them as a quick snack, a flavorful addition to salads, or a side dish with your main course throughout the week. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in minutes.

Additionally, the individual portion sizes make these stuffing balls easy to pack for lunches or serve at gatherings. Their bite-sized nature allows for easy sharing and makes them a hit at parties, potlucks, or family dinners. With their delightful taste and convenient prep, they are bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Serving Suggestions

These cranberry and turkey stuffing balls can be served in various ways, making them a versatile addition to any meal. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with a homemade cranberry sauce or a zesty dipping sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your presentation. You can also serve them alongside seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded plate.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider placing the stuffing balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. This makes them an excellent finger food option for guests to enjoy while mingling. Their delightful texture and flavor combinations will surely be a talking point, leaving everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

These stuffing balls can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.

Storage Tips

To ensure the freshness of your cranberry and turkey stuffing balls, allow them to cool completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan on making them ahead of time, consider freezing them. Simply place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding to their convenience.

When reheating, it's best to place them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy exterior. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy. With proper storage, these stuffing balls will maintain their delicious flavor and texture, ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave them.

Nutritional Benefits

These stuffing balls offer a balanced combination of flavors and nutrients, making them a healthy choice for your holiday meals. Ground turkey is a lean protein that provides essential nutrients while being lower in fat compared to other meats. Coupled with the fiber and antioxidants from dried cranberries, this dish contributes to a well-rounded diet without compromising on taste.

The addition of vegetables like onion and celery not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of the stuffing balls. These ingredients provide vitamins and minerals that support overall health. By incorporating fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, you add a burst of flavor while benefiting from their natural health properties. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with healthy eating habits.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for the turkey in this recipe.

→ How can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?

You can replace the turkey with a mix of cooked quinoa and additional vegetables.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What should I serve with the stuffing balls?

They pair well with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a simple salad.

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

These delicious cranberry and turkey stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 balls

What You'll Need

For the Stuffing Balls

  1. 1 lb ground turkey
  2. 1 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  4. 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  5. 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  6. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  7. 1 tsp dried thyme
  8. 1 tsp salt
  9. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  10. 1 egg, beaten

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 15g