Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of a warm kitchen evokes cherished memories of holiday gatherings, filled with laughter and shared stories over delicious food. This year, I’m excited to share a recipe that beautifully marries the savory richness of ground turkey with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries—these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Perfect for cozy family dinners and holiday celebrations, they not only bring a nutritious twist to your appetizer spread but are also a breeze to whip up. Imagine your guests savoring each bite, delighting in the blend of flavors as they celebrate the season. Ready to make your holidays extra special? Let’s dive into this festive recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite! Why are these stuffing balls a must-try? Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls delivers a delightful mix of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, ensuring a memorable appetizer at your gatherings. Quick & Easy: With simple steps, you can have these festive treats ready in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and fiber, they provide a nutritious bite amidst the holiday indulgence. Versatile Options: Customize with nuts or different herbs to match your family’s preferences—it’s a recipe that adapts beautifully! Crowd-Pleaser: These appetizers are sure to impress guests, offering a twist on traditional holiday fare that everyone will love. If you’re looking for more delicious dishes, check out our Turkey Stroganoff Comforting for a warm meal option! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Ingredients For the Stuffing Balls • Ground Turkey – A lean protein that provides flavor; can substitute with ground chicken or beef for variety. • Dried Cranberries – Adds a sweet-tart burst; substitute with raisins or chopped apples for a different twist. • Breadcrumbs – Binds the mixture together; gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great option for those with dietary restrictions. • Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme) – Enhances aroma and taste; fresh is best, but dried herbs work in a pinch. • Onion – Offers depth of flavor and moisture; shallots can be used for a milder note. • Egg – Acts as a binding agent; a flax egg is a great replacement for a vegan version. Optional Glaze or Dip • Cranberry Sauce – Elevates the flavor and adds festive flair; consider a homemade version for extra warmth. • Yogurt-Based Dip – A creamy accompaniment that pairs well with the savory stuffing balls; add herbs for an extra kick. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls will be a colorful and nutritious addition to your holiday spread, making your gatherings even more delightful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls to a golden brown perfection. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and equipment for a smooth cooking process. Step 2: Sauté the Onions In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. This caramelization will enhance the flavor of the stuffing balls, making your kitchen smell heavenly as the onions soften and turn golden. Step 3: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and egg. Using your hands or a spatula, mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended, making sure not to overmix, which can lead to tougher stuffing balls. The mixture should be moist and hold together well. Step 4: Form the Stuffing Balls With clean hands, take a portion of the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized balls. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even cooking of your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Arrange the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow them to cook evenly and become crispy. Step 5: Bake to Perfection Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time; they should be golden brown on the outside and register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. The delightful aroma wafting from the oven will be a sure sign they are ready! Step 6: Let Them Rest Before Serving Once baked, remove the cranberry turkey stuffing balls from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly for easier handling and serving. Enjoy these savory bites warm, perfect as an appetizer or as part of your festive meal. What to Serve with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls The perfect meal isn’t just about one exceptional dish; it’s about creating a harmonious dining experience that dances on your taste buds. Cranberry Sauce: A classic pairing that enhances the sweet-tart notes of the stuffing balls, adding a festive flair that guests love. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the savory stuffing, making for an irresistible combination. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender and slightly caramelized, they add a delightful crunch and are a nutritious green element to your holiday table. Maple-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of these glazed carrots complements the savory stuffing balls wonderfully, making every bite a celebration of flavors. Herbed Quinoa Salad: Light yet flavorful, this salad brings freshness, fiber, and a delightful texture that pairs well with the rich stuffing balls. Sparkling Cider: This effervescent drink adds a celebratory touch to your meal, enhancing the joy of your holiday gathering while being a perfect balance to the savory dishes. Apple Crisp: For dessert, the warm spices and sweet baked apples create a cozy finish to your festive meal, making hearts and bellies feel full. With these pairings, your festive gathering will be filled with joy, comfort, and memorable flavors all around! Expert Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Mind the Mix: Avoid overmixing the ingredients. This ensures your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls remain tender and have a pleasing texture. Check the Temp: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the stuffing balls reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and perfect flavor. Resting Time: Allow the stuffing balls to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This lets them firm up for easier handling and serving. Uniform Sizes: Roll the mixture into even-sized balls for consistent baking. This helps them cook through evenly and enhances their visual appeal. Flavor Variations: Explore using different herbs or spices like sage and rosemary to give your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a unique twist that fits your taste. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations Feel free to explore and customize these delightful stuffing balls to suit your taste and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing onions to keep it rich yet dairy-free. Nut-Free: Skip the nuts for a safe and wallet-friendly option, ensuring all your guests can enjoy. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for a fiery twist that will heat up your holiday gatherings. Herb Boost: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano for a fragrant flavor explosion that enhances the stuffing balls. Fruity Twist: Swap dried cranberries for diced fresh apples or pears for added sweetness and crunch. Vegan Option: Replace ground turkey with lentils and the egg with a flax egg, making these stuffing balls plant-based and hearty! Texture Up: Add crispy fried onions or chopped water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Freezer-Friendly: Prepare and freeze the stuffing balls before baking, for an easy and delicious appetizer ready at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget to check out our Turkey Stroganoff Comforting for another easy meal idea! How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Room Temperature: Serve immediately after baking for the best taste. If needed, they can sit out for up to 2 hours before they should be stored. Fridge: Store any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: Freeze the stuffing balls before baking by arranging them on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They can be kept for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen stuffing balls at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can easily prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining the ground turkey, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, herbs, and egg. Simply cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, form the mixture into balls and follow the baking instructions, adding a few minutes to the cooking time if cooking from chilled. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed stuffing balls and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time to about 30-35 minutes. This way, you’ll have a warm, savory appetizer that tastes just as delicious as if made fresh! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe cranberries for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting cranberries, look for those that are firm and deep red in color. Avoid any that are soft, shriveled, or have dark spots. Fresh cranberries are generally available in the fall, but dried cranberries work beautifully in this recipe for added sweetness and texture. How should I store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls? Very! After your gathering, place any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track! Can I freeze cranberry turkey stuffing balls before baking? Absolutely! To freeze your stuffing balls, arrange them on a baking sheet without touching each other, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. What if my stuffing balls are too dry or crumbly? If your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are dry, it may be due to too many breadcrumbs or not enough moisture in the mix. To fix this, add a splash of broth or an extra egg to the mixture, and blend well. It’s also helpful to let them rest for a few minutes before baking, so the flavors meld better and they retain moisture. Are these stuffing balls safe for people with gluten allergies? Very! To make the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. These tasty morsels can be a delightful addition to your holiday spread without any worry for those with gluten sensitivities! Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Holiday Cheers These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine savory turkey and sweet cranberries, making them a must-try appetizer for any holiday gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 ballsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stuffing Balls1 lb Ground Turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or beef.1 cup Dried Cranberries Substitute with raisins or chopped apples.1 cup Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great option.1 tbsp Fresh Herbs Use parsley, thyme, or other preferred herbs.1 Onion Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.1 Egg A flax egg can be used for a vegan version.Optional Glaze or Dip1 cup Cranberry Sauce Consider a homemade version for added flavor.1 cup Yogurt-Based Dip Add herbs for extra flavor. Equipment SkilletMixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperMeat Thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients and equipment.In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and egg. Mix until well blended.Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and arrange them on a lined baking sheet.Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Let the stuffing balls rest for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg NotesAvoid overmixing the ingredients to maintain texture. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
