Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, festive dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet, Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect choice. Imagine the flavors of a Thanksgiving feast all wrapped up in a bite-sized ball that’s ideal for parties, appetizers, or even as a side dish. These little guys are packed with tender turkey, zesty cranberries, and savory stuffing, giving you all the comforting flavors you crave in one perfect bite. Trust me, these stuffing balls are going to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or just want a tasty snack, these stuffing balls fit the bill. They’re festive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight meals.
• Flavor-packed: These little morsels combine juicy turkey, sweet cranberries, and flavorful stuffing, making them an irresistible treat.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite herbs or even swap the turkey for chicken if you prefer. You can even play around with the types of cranberries, from dried to fresh, for a unique twist.
• Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a chef to pull this off! These stuffing balls come together quickly, and they’re so easy to prep in advance. Pop them in the oven, and you’re good to go!

Ingredients in Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious stuffing balls to life:

• Ground Turkey: The lean protein that gives these stuffing balls their hearty base.
• Cranberries: Both sweet and tangy, cranberries bring a burst of flavor to balance the savory turkey and stuffing.
• Stuffing Mix: The ultimate comforting base, with all the savory seasonings that make stuffing so irresistible.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the stuffing balls their structure.
• Onion: Adds a rich depth of flavor to the stuffing mix.
• Garlic: For that savory kick that elevates the overall taste.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and delicious.
• Parsley and Sage: Classic stuffing herbs that give the balls that delicious herby flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into these flavor-packed stuffing balls? Here’s how to make them!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mix

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir it together and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the broth and soften.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey

While the stuffing is absorbing the broth, cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and season with a little salt and pepper. Once the turkey is browned and fully cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Combine All the Ingredients

In the same large bowl with the stuffing, add the cooked turkey, cranberries, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, and sage. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be sticky enough to hold together when formed into balls.

Step 5: Form the Stuffing Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check them with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy, or a dipping sauce of your choice.

How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• With Cranberry Sauce: These stuffing balls are fantastic with a dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• With Gravy: Serve with turkey gravy for a truly comforting experience that will remind you of Thanksgiving dinner.
• As an Appetizer: These stuffing balls are great for a party or gathering—serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp salad.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
• Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, add some shredded cheddar or parmesan to the stuffing mixture. It will melt as they bake and add a creamy texture.
• Swap the Turkey: If you’re not a fan of turkey, chicken works just as well in these stuffing balls!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 310mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 14g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
A1: Yes, ground chicken will work just fine in this recipe if you prefer it over turkey.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can form the balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: Can I freeze these stuffing balls?
A3: Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q4: What kind of stuffing mix should I use?
A4: You can use any kind of stuffing mix you like—herb-seasoned or plain. If you want to keep it simple, just use a traditional, classic stuffing mix.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the stuffing balls?
A5: Of course! Chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms would all be great additions to the stuffing mixture.

Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free stuffing mix to make these stuffing balls gluten-free.

Q7: How can I make these stuffing balls spicier?
A7: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I bake these in advance?
A8: Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Q9: Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Q10: How do I know when the stuffing balls are done?
A10: The stuffing balls should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—look for 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional stuffing. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a tasty snack, these savory-sweet bites are bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion—what’s not to love? Give them a try, and watch them disappear in no time!

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