Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Cozy Holiday Favorite

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together everything we love about Thanksgiving in a perfectly portioned bite. Crispy on the outside, tender and savory on the inside, these festive stuffing balls are packed with herbed bread cubes, juicy turkey, and sweet pops of dried cranberries.

This recipe is a creative twist on traditional stuffing — perfect for using up holiday leftovers or as a make-ahead appetizer for family gatherings. Whether you’re planning a Friendsgiving, Christmas dinner, or looking for something hearty for meal prep, these stuffing balls deliver all the comfort and flavor of a holiday table.

Their golden crust, aromatic herbs, and tart cranberry accents make them both nostalgic and exciting. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and ideal for dipping, plating, or serving with gravy.

Ingredients Overview

Turkey

Cooked turkey — either leftover roasted breast or ground turkey — gives this recipe its hearty base. It provides moisture, a mild savory backdrop, and protein. If using ground turkey, make sure it’s fully cooked and well-seasoned before combining.

Substitute: Rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, or vegetarian meat alternatives work well for dietary swaps.

Bread Stuffing Mix

Use a dry, unseasoned or lightly seasoned stuffing mix or stale bread cubes. These absorb moisture from eggs and broth, binding everything together while offering a chewy, satisfying texture.

Tip: Avoid fresh soft bread—it turns gummy. Slightly toasted or day-old bread holds up better.

Dried Cranberries

These add a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the savory flavors. Look for unsweetened dried cranberries for a more balanced taste.

Optional Add-In: Swap with dried cherries or finely chopped dried apricots if cranberries aren’t available.

Onion and Celery

Finely diced onion and celery offer aromatic flavor and a slight crunch. Sautéing them before mixing softens their texture and releases natural sugars, enhancing the overall richness.

Shortcut: Use pre-diced mirepoix from the produce section if you’re short on prep time.

Eggs

Eggs act as the binder, helping the stuffing balls hold their shape while baking. They also add richness and a light, fluffy texture.

Broth

Low-sodium turkey or chicken broth moistens the mixture and helps bring the bread cubes to life.

Alternative: For a vegetarian version, use mushroom or vegetable broth.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley, thyme, and sage elevate the dish with classic stuffing flavors. Dried herbs can be substituted, but fresh adds brightness and a more inviting aroma.

Butter

Butter is used to sauté the vegetables and adds richness and depth. You can also melt some over the finished balls for extra flavor.

Dairy-Free Swap: Use olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions and celery until translucent and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Add fresh herbs in the last minute of cooking to bloom their flavors. Let the mixture cool slightly before combining with the other ingredients.

2. Mix the Base
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, stuffing mix, and cranberries. Add the cooled onion-celery mixture and mix gently to distribute evenly.

3. Moisten & Bind
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and broth. Pour this over the stuffing mixture and gently fold until the bread is fully moistened but not soggy. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not feel wet.

4. Form the Balls
   Use clean hands or a medium cookie scoop to form golf ball-sized rounds, gently packing the mixture to hold its shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.

5. Bake Until Golden
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the stuffing balls with melted butter or olive oil for crispiness. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning. They should be golden and firm to the touch.

6. Optional: Serve with Gravy
   Warm some turkey or mushroom gravy and serve it on the side for dipping, or drizzle a little over the top just before serving.

Common Pitfalls:

• Too dry? Add a few more tablespoons of broth until the mixture holds.

• Too wet? Mix in extra stuffing mix a spoonful at a time.

• Falling apart? Ensure the mixture is cool and well-packed before forming balls.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or cornbread cubes. Check broth labels for hidden gluten.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.

• Low-Carb Version: Try riced cauliflower in place of bread cubes, though texture will be softer.

• Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–12 minutes to cooking time.

• Mini Balls for Appetizers: Use a small cookie scoop and reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.

• Regional Flair: Add pecans for Southern-style richness or swap sage for rosemary in a more Mediterranean take.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls shine on a holiday table but are versatile enough for casual occasions:

• Holiday Appetizer: Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy as a festive finger food.

• Lunch Meal Prep: Pair with roasted veggies and a side salad for a satisfying lunch.

• Potluck Favorite: Easy to reheat and serve warm or at room temperature.

• Kid-Friendly Dinner: Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting weeknight meal.

Their golden color and herby aroma make them irresistible right out of the oven — comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for cozy gatherings.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Each stuffing ball offers a balance of protein from turkey, fiber from bread and vegetables, and antioxidants from cranberries.

To make them lighter:

• Use lean ground turkey.

• Reduce butter and use a spray oil instead.

• Replace some bread cubes with finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

These stuffing balls are also great for portion control — you can enjoy the flavor of a full holiday plate in one satisfying bite. They reheat well and don’t lose their shape or texture when stored properly, making them a wholesome grab-and-go option for busy days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use leftover stuffing and turkey?

A: Yes! This is a perfect recipe for repurposing leftovers. Simply chop or shred your turkey and mix with leftover stuffing. You may need to add extra egg or broth to bind everything if the stuffing is dry.

Q2: Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

A: Absolutely. Form the balls and freeze them on a tray until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10–12 minutes to the cook time.

Q3: What sauce pairs well with these?

A: Classic turkey gravy is ideal, but you can also serve them with cranberry sauce, mushroom gravy, or even a mustard cream sauce for a modern twist.

Q4: How long do they last in the fridge?

A: Store cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best texture.

Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Yes! Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free butter as needed.

Q6: What if my mixture is too wet to roll?

A: Add more stuffing mix or a handful of breadcrumbs. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid before forming balls.

Q7: Can I cook them in an air fryer?

A: Yes, air frying works well. Preheat to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll turn out crisp and golden with less oil.

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