Get ready for a delicious and festive twist on a holiday classic with these incredible Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls! This recipe transforms traditional stuffing into convenient, bite-sized balls, packed with savory shredded turkey, sweet dried cranberries, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Baked until golden brown, they’re the perfect side dish for holiday meals, a fantastic way to use up leftovers, or a delightful appetizer that will disappear in minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
These Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are an absolute genius idea, especially for the holidays, and I absolutely adore them! What I love most is how they take all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing and make them into perfectly portioned, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites. The combination of savory shredded turkey, sweet and tangy dried cranberries, and aromatic onion, celery, and parsley, all bound with moist breadcrumbs and chicken broth, is simply irresistible. They’re quick to assemble, bake beautifully, and are fantastic for reducing mess compared to a large stuffing dish. Plus, they’re ideal for using up leftover turkey after a big feast, making every bite feel like a celebration!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 2 cups bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded (leftover roast turkey or rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced (yellow or white onion)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Swaps and Notes
- Bread Crumbs: Plain bread crumbs are fine, or use seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a slightly crispier exterior.
- Cooked Turkey: Shredded leftover roast turkey is perfect. Cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast) can be used as a substitute.
- Dried Cranberries: Adds a lovely sweet-tart pop. Raisins or other dried fruits can be substituted, or omit if not preferred.
- Onion & Celery: Finely dicing ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the balls.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color. Dried parsley (1 tablespoon) can be substituted.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness. Adjust the amount of broth to achieve a moist (but not soggy) mixture that holds its shape.
- Dried Thyme: A classic stuffing herb. You can use other poultry seasoning blends or a mix of dried sage, rosemary, and marjoram.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help the stuffing balls hold their shape.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls baking!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups bread crumbs, 1 cup shredded cooked turkey, 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup finely diced onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper over the mixture.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the 1/4 cup chicken broth and add the 1 large egg. Stir the mixture well with a spoon or your hands until everything is evenly combined and moist. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the right consistency.
- Form the Stuffing Balls: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time (a cookie scoop works great for this) and roll it into a compact ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer, with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Moisture is Key: Ensure the stuffing mixture is moist enough to hold together but not soggy. Add broth gradually.
- Compact Balls: Roll the balls firmly so they don’t crumble during baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange balls in a single layer on the baking sheet for even browning. Use two sheets if needed.
- Cooked Turkey: Make sure your turkey (or chicken) is already cooked and shredded into small pieces.
- Crispy Edges: For extra crispy edges, you can brush the balls lightly with a little melted butter before baking.
- Serve Warm: These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are warm and the exterior is slightly crispy.
- Customization: Add a pinch of dried sage or rosemary to the seasoning mix for more traditional holiday flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fantastic addition to any holiday meal or comfort food spread, pairing wonderfully with:
- Gravy: Classic turkey gravy or a rich chicken gravy is perfect for dipping.
- Cranberry Sauce: A side of traditional cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry) offers a lovely sweet-tart contrast.
- Roasted Meats: Excellent alongside roasted turkey, chicken, pork loin, or even our Brown Sugar Glazed Ham.
- Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans: Traditional holiday sides that complete the meal.
- Holiday Leftover Makeover: A creative way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce (like our Roasted Bird & Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes).
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing poultry dishes, consider our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays or our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls make fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining some crispness, reheat individual stuffing balls in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the exterior re-crisps. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture.
- Freezing: These stuffing balls freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the savory, comforting, and festive nature of these stuffing balls, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For a fresh, light take on a chicken dish, you’ll love A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight).
- For another incredible poultry dish, check out our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
- And for a flavorful twist on a holiday side, consider our Roasted Bird & Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish or appetizer to your table with ease. They’re perfect for holiday meals, using up leftovers, or any time you crave that delicious taste of homemade stuffing in a fun, convenient bite!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite way to enjoy holiday stuffing? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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