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
Scale
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.
