Description

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a flavorful twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare, combining the savory goodness of turkey and herbs with the sweet tartness of cranberries. These bite-sized balls pack all the best elements of a holiday meal into one convenient and delicious bite. Whether you’re looking for a creative appetizer, a party snack, or a fun side dish for your holiday feast, these stuffing balls will impress guests and bring a festive touch to your table.

The ground turkey is mixed with stuffing mix, cranberries, celery, and herbs to create a perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful dish. The sage, thyme, and garlic powder add that comforting holiday flavor, while the cranberries provide a refreshing sweetness. These stuffing balls are easy to make and bake in under 30 minutes, making them a must-try for any fall or winter gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) ground turkey
1 cup stuffing mix (pre-packaged or homemade)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the stuffing balls.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 lb of ground turkey, 1 cup of stuffing mix, 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Season the mixture: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl.
Add the egg: Pour in the beaten egg and mix everything together. Using your hands or a spoon, combine the ingredients until evenly incorporated, ensuring the flavors are well distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Shape the stuffing balls: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each ball to allow for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing Balls

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The stuffing balls should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cool slightly: Once the stuffing balls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooking Notes

Stuffing mix: You can use a store-bought stuffing mix for convenience or make your own by toasting bread cubes and seasoning them with poultry seasoning, sage, and thyme.
Ground turkey alternatives: For a different flavor profile, ground chicken or pork can be substituted for turkey.
Add-ins: Feel free to add additional ingredients such as chopped nuts, grated cheese, or even bacon bits to give your stuffing balls an extra boost of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday side dish: Serve these stuffing balls as a festive side alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy for a modern twist on classic holiday dishes.
Appetizer: These make great appetizers for holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Snack: Enjoy them as a light snack or finger food with a drizzle of gravy or even a creamy dipping sauce like aioli.

Tips

Make-ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: These stuffing balls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Moisture control: If your mixture feels too dry, add a bit more chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 140 kcal
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g