If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. These bite-sized marvels combine juicy ground turkey with bursts of tart cranberries and aromatic herbs, all baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for holiday feasts, cozy dinners, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. The texture is wonderfully tender on the inside with a subtle crisp on the outside, making every bite an irresistible celebration of festive flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a key role, from the savory foundation of ground turkey to the bright pop of fresh cranberries. Together, they create a balanced flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Lean ground turkey: The protein base that keeps the stuffing balls moist and hearty without being heavy.
- Fresh cranberries, chopped: Add tartness and a beautiful splash of color, making these stuffing balls truly festive.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned): Provide structure and a tender crumb, helping the mixture hold its shape.
- Medium onion, minced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
- Celery stalk, chopped: Offers a pleasant crunch and freshness that brightens the mixture.
- Fresh sage, chopped: Brings a warming, earthy aroma essential to traditional stuffing flavors.
- Fresh thyme, chopped: Infuses a subtle herbal note that complements the sage perfectly.
- Large eggs: Work as natural binders to keep the balls together during baking.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick that balances the sweetness of cranberries.
- Melted butter: Used for sautéing, it infuses richness and helps the veggies become tender.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and adds savory depth without excess salt.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking sheet. Getting the oven ready early means you’ll be able to bake your stuffing balls right after shaping them, keeping everything fresh and perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, gently cook the minced onion and chopped celery in melted butter until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step unlocks those sweet and savory flavors that provide the perfect backdrop for your stuffing balls.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and celery, eggs, salt, black pepper, chopped sage, chopped thyme, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly so all the flavors marry into a cohesive, moist mixture.
Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries
Now for the star of the show! Gently fold in the chopped fresh cranberries, taking care not to squish them. These little bursts of tartness will add a playful contrast in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Using a tablespoon as a measure, form the mixture into small balls and place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking and makes serving a breeze.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown exteriors and fully cooked centers—a sure sign your stuffing balls have reached their delicious potential.
Step 7: Let Them Rest
Once baked, allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly on the tray. This resting time lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle when serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few additional whole cranberries scattered on top adds a pop of color and freshness. A drizzling of a simple pan gravy or cranberry sauce can elevate the taste even more, turning these little balls into a festive centerpiece.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Their savory and sweet profile complements hearty mains and lighter sides alike, making your meal feel well-rounded and celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at gatherings. Or arrange them over a bed of mixed greens for a casual yet elegant appetizer. Their charming size and lovely flecks of cranberries make presentation effortless and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to three days, ready to bring back that comforting holiday feeling anytime you crave it.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, pop the baked and fully cooled stuffing balls into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they can last up to three months without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and slightly crisp, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but baking helps retain their delightful texture best.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh for the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe?
Yes, dried cranberries can be used if fresh aren’t available, but they are sweeter and chewier, so opt for unsweetened versions if possible. You might want to reduce or skip the added salt to balance flavors.
Is ground turkey a healthy alternative to traditional sausage in stuffing balls?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is leaner than pork sausage, reducing fat content while still being flavorful. It makes this recipe a lighter yet still satisfying option.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time and bake later?
Yes. You can mix everything, shape the balls, and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes the recipe perfect for busy days or holiday meal prep.
What herbs work best if I don’t have fresh sage or thyme?
Dried sage and thyme can be used as substitutes at about one-third the quantity of fresh herbs. Alternatively, rosemary or poultry seasoning can add lovely complementary flavors.
Are these stuffing balls suitable for freezing raw or only cooked?
They freeze best cooked. Freezing raw might cause the texture to change during baking later. Bake first, cool, freeze, and then reheat when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe enough for adding a festive, flavorful punch to your meals. They’re simple, fun to make, and deliver such a lovely combination of tastes that everyone will ask for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, these little gems will definitely steal the show. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a cherished favorite!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls (approximately 12 servings)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, combining lean ground turkey, fresh cranberries, and aromatic herbs. These bite-sized savory treats are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure your stuffing balls bake evenly.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté the minced onion and chopped celery in the melted butter over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, which enhances their flavor and moisture.
- Combine mixture: In a large bowl, add the lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and celery mixture, eggs, salt, black pepper, chopped sage, thyme, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended, forming a cohesive mixture.
- Add cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh cranberries to the mixture, taking care not to crush them, preserving their tartness and texture.
- Form stuffing balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop and shape the mixture into uniform balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and perfect texture.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a tangier flavor; dried cranberries can be substituted but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter.
- Breadcrumbs can be seasoned or plain, but adjust salt accordingly.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of your meal.
- Ensure the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts such as pecans for added texture and flavor.
