Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – Festive, Savory & Perfectly Snackable

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive twist on classic holiday flavors—rolled into a golden, crispy, bite-sized form. Packed with juicy turkey, herbaceous stuffing, and pops of sweet-tart cranberries, they’re perfect for holiday appetizers, post-Thanksgiving leftovers, or a fun weeknight comfort food.

Whether served as a side dish, party snack, or centerpiece with gravy and cranberry sauce, these stuffing balls are a brilliant way to reimagine traditional holiday ingredients into something playful and crowd-pleasing.

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Introduction: A Festive Take on Classic Holiday Flavors

If you’ve ever had leftover stuffing and turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas, you know how tempting it is to mix them together and form something new. These stuffing balls are the ultimate solution—crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside, with just the right balance of savory and sweet from herbs and cranberries.

These are especially loved by kids and picky eaters (who might avoid the mushy texture of stuffing), and they travel beautifully for potlucks, parties, or lunchboxes.

No leftovers? No problem. This version is made completely from scratch, and you can also adapt it with store-bought stuffing mix or leftover ingredients.

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Ingredients Overview: What Makes These Stuffing Balls So Irresistible

1. Ground Turkey or Leftover Roasted Turkey

• Lean and mild, turkey adds protein and structure.

• Ground turkey works well if making fresh; cooked turkey should be finely chopped.

2. Stuffing Mix or Cubed Bread

• The base of the ball—herbed stuffing (boxed or homemade) brings flavor and absorbency.

• Day-old or dried bread works best if making from scratch.

3. Dried Cranberries

• Provide chewy texture and bursts of tart-sweet flavor that complement the savory notes.

4. Celery and Onion

• Classic aromatics sautéed to infuse the mix with holiday stuffing vibes.

5. Egg

• Acts as a binder to hold everything together during baking.

6. Chicken or Turkey Stock

• Adds moisture and depth to the stuffing mixture.

7. Butter or Olive Oil

• Used for sautéing and adds richness.

8. Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Parsley)

• Essential for capturing traditional holiday stuffing flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients (Makes 15–20 balls)

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

• ½ cup onion, finely diced

• ½ cup celery, finely diced

• 2 cups stuffing mix or cubed day-old bread

• ¾ cup chicken or turkey broth

• 1½ cups ground turkey or cooked turkey, finely chopped

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 tsp dried sage

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• Optional: Gravy or cranberry sauce for serving

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1. Sauté Aromatics

• In a skillet, heat butter over medium heat.

• Add onion and celery. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

• Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Stuffing Base

• In a large mixing bowl, combine stuffing mix or bread cubes.

• Pour in broth and let sit for 3–5 minutes until softened.

• Mix in sautéed onion and celery.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients

• Add ground or chopped turkey, dried cranberries, herbs, beaten egg, and (optional) Parmesan.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Mix thoroughly—hands work best! The mixture should be moist and hold its shape.

If the mix feels too wet, add a little more bread. Too dry? Add a splash more broth.

4. Shape into Balls

• Scoop mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 2 tbsp each).

• Roll tightly and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

For extra browning, broil for the last 2 minutes.

6. Serve

• Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a festive side dish.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls

• Chop ingredients finely for better binding and shape.

• Use a cookie scoop for even portions.

• Lightly spray or brush with oil before baking for maximum crispiness.

Flavor Variations

• Add chopped apple, chestnuts, or pecans for more texture.

• Mix in crumbled sausage or bacon for a meatier bite.

• Use fresh sage or rosemary for a fragrant upgrade.

Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey for chicken, pork, or plant-based meat.

• Use gluten-free stuffing mix or bread to make it allergy-friendly.

• Replace cranberries with chopped dates, raisins, or dried cherries.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Perfect for:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizers

• Leftover makeover after the holidays

• Holiday meal prep—easy to reheat

• Kids’ lunchboxes or after-school snacks

• Finger food for parties or potlucks

How to Serve:

• With gravy as a warm appetizer

• Over mashed potatoes with extra cranberry sauce

• Stuffed into a holiday sandwich wrap with greens and mayo

• With a side salad for a light, festive lunch

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These stuffing balls are:

• High in protein from turkey

• Provide fiber and antioxidants from cranberries and herbs

• Lower in fat than traditional sausage stuffing (especially if baked)

• Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets

Estimated Nutrition (per 1 ball, assuming 18 total):

• Calories: ~80

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: ~180mg

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FAQ: Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. Bake right before serving.

2. Can I freeze stuffing balls?

Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

3. Can I use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing?

Yes! Just chop it up, mix in turkey, cranberries, and egg, then form into balls and bake.

4. What kind of turkey works best?

Either ground turkey (raw) or cooked chopped turkey works well. For leftovers, just finely chop roasted turkey breast or thigh.

5. How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is moist but firm. The egg helps bind, and letting the mix rest before shaping helps it absorb the liquid evenly.

6. What dipping sauces go well with these?

Gravy, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, or even garlic aioli are great options.

7. Can I air fry them?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

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