As the holiday season approaches, or whenever you crave the comforting flavors of a festive meal, these Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are an absolute must-make! They take all the beloved elements of classic Thanksgiving stuffing—savory turkey, aromatic herbs, sweet cranberries, and crisp vegetables—and transform them into convenient, golden-brown, bite-sized balls. They’re crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside, and perfect as a side dish, an appetizer, or a delightful way to use up leftover turkey.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a stroke of genius, especially for holiday meals! What I love most about these stuffing balls is how they ensure everyone gets that coveted crispy, golden exterior—the best part of any stuffing! They’re incredibly flavorful, packed with the perfect balance of savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs like thyme, onion, and celery.

They’re also wonderfully convenient. Preparing them in ball form means they cook evenly and are perfect for serving as individual portions, making them ideal for a buffet or appetizer spread. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked turkey, giving it a delicious new life. It’s a comforting, festive, and incredibly easy dish that always receives rave reviews!

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup of onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup of celery, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large egg

Swaps and Notes

• Bread Crumbs: Plain bread crumbs allow you to control the seasoning. If using seasoned bread crumbs, adjust the added salt and herbs accordingly. You can use stale bread, toasted and pulsed in a food processor, for homemade crumbs.
• Cooked Turkey: Shredded leftover turkey is perfect for this. Cooked chicken can be substituted for a “chicken stuffing ball” version. For more chicken ideas, check out A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight) or Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
• Dried Cranberries: Chopped dried cranberries add a lovely sweet-tart burst. You can also use golden raisins or a mix of dried fruits.
• Vegetables: Finely dicing the onion and celery ensures they cook evenly and meld into the stuffing.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch (use about 1 tablespoon dried).
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is best for controlling the saltiness. Vegetable broth can also be used.
• Dried Thyme: Classic stuffing herb. A blend of dried sage, rosemary, and thyme (poultry seasoning) would also be delicious.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the balls hold their shape.

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Instructions:

Making these flavorful Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls is straightforward and perfect for baking.

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. 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. Stir everything together well.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the mixture. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the 1/4 cup chicken broth and add the 1 large egg. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and moist. The mixture should hold together when squeezed. If it seems too dry or crumbly, add a little more chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Form the Stuffing Balls: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time (a standard cookie scoop works well for uniform size) and roll it firmly into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
6. 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. They should be firm to the touch.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

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Pro Tip:

The key to perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing balls is ensuring the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy. If it’s too dry, they’ll crumble; too wet, they won’t crisp. Add broth gradually. Also, make sure to pack the balls firmly when forming them so they hold their shape during baking.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile, perfect for holiday meals or everyday enjoyment.

• Holiday Side Dish: A fantastic alternative or addition to traditional holiday stuffing. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks on a platter as a festive appetizer.
• Main Course Accompaniment: Pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. For a different take on chicken, consider my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta as a main dish.
• Leftover Turkey Reinvention: A brilliant way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
• Savory Side: Can accompany any hearty meal, such as my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These stuffing balls store well and are great for meal prep.

• Storage (Baked): Store cooled, baked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and re-crisped. Microwaving will heat them but make them soft.
• Freezing (Baked): Baked and cooled stuffing balls can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing (Unbaked): You can also freeze the formed, unbaked balls. Arrange on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the savory, comforting, and easy nature of these stuffing balls, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another fantastic way to use leftover turkey or chicken, check out These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
• If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes that are quick and easy, don’t miss Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
• For a versatile chicken salad that’s great for meal prep, consider A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).
• And for a comforting, easy chicken dish with pasta, my Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

These Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are a truly delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of holiday stuffing. With their perfectly crispy exterior, moist interior, and balance of savory and sweet notes, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your home, especially during festive seasons. Go ahead, bake a batch, and savor every delicious bite!

What’s your favorite way to transform holiday leftovers into a new dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.