Name: Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped; 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed mix); ½ cup dried cranberries; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; ¼ cup turkey or chicken broth (for moisture); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

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When the holiday season arrives, my kitchen becomes filled with the comforting aromas of roasted turkey, fresh herbs, and sweet cranberries. One of my favorite recipes to prepare during this festive time is my Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. This dish captures all the best flavors of a traditional holiday meal but in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing. I remember creating this recipe as a way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after a big family dinner, and it quickly became a new holiday tradition of its own. Every time I bake these golden, crispy stuffing balls, the scent of sage and thyme instantly takes me back to those joyful gatherings around the table.

You will love this recipe because it combines the savory richness of turkey with the slight tartness of cranberries and the comforting texture of classic stuffing. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors – the sweetness from the dried cranberries, the moist tenderness of the turkey, and the warm, herby notes from the stuffing blend. These stuffing balls are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, whether you serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even as a main meal with a simple gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. You can make it with fresh turkey, leftover roast turkey, or even ground turkey for a quicker option. The stuffing mix can be homemade or store-bought, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your own preference or to what you have available. If you’re planning a festive meal, these stuffing balls pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. You can even shape them smaller for finger food or larger for a more filling dish.

Best of all, this recipe is affordable and practical, making it easy to prepare for any occasion. You can make a large batch without breaking your budget, and the ingredients are simple and easily found in any grocery store. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday feast or just want a comforting meal on a chilly evening, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are sure to impress everyone at your table with their flavor and presentation.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed mix)
½ cup dried cranberries
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup turkey or chicken broth (for moisture)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

How to Prepare Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Preparing these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is a wonderful way to bring together the cozy flavors of the season in a single, easy-to-serve dish. What I love most about this recipe is how simple and flexible it is — perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re preparing them as appetizers, a side dish, or a creative use of leftovers, the process is quick, rewarding, and leaves your kitchen smelling absolutely irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Tray
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This step ensures that your stuffing balls won’t stick and will bake evenly with a crisp, golden finish.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare Ingredients
Finely chop your cooked turkey and onion. Make sure the turkey pieces are small enough to mix easily with the stuffing. If you are using leftover turkey, shred it gently by hand or use a knife to achieve an even texture. Finely dice the onion so it blends well with the mixture and doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Stuffing Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, chopped turkey, and dried cranberries. The cranberries will add a beautiful touch of sweetness and color to the mix. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Herbs and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the sage, thyme, parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the herbs through the stuffing mixture so every bite carries that warm, savory aroma that makes this recipe truly festive.

Step 5: Add the Binding Ingredients
Pour in the lightly beaten egg and turkey or chicken broth. These ingredients help bind everything together and keep the stuffing balls moist and tender. Stir thoroughly until the mixture feels firm enough to hold its shape when pressed. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Using clean hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into balls roughly the size of golf balls. Roll them gently between your palms to ensure they’re compact and won’t fall apart during baking. Arrange them on the prepared baking tray, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for even heat circulation.

Step 7: Brush with Melted Butter
Brush the tops of the stuffing balls with melted butter. This small step adds a golden sheen and enhances the crisp texture of the exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside and heated through. If you prefer a crispier crust, turn them halfway through the baking time.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of warm turkey gravy. They pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or a creamy herb dip for extra flavor.

Step 10: Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking tray and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze them before baking — simply shape the balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

Quick and Easy to Make

One of the reasons I love this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need complex tools or a long list of ingredients to make these delicious stuffing balls. Everything comes together in one bowl, saving both time and cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe you can prepare in advance and pop into the oven just before guests arrive.

Customizable and Family-Friendly

These stuffing balls are highly customizable. You can add chopped celery, diced carrots, or even small cubes of cooked chicken ham for added flavor and texture. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, mix in some toasted pecans or walnuts. For a lighter version, use less butter and bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for various diets and preferences.

Loved by Everyone

Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weekend dinner, these festive bites are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as part of a buffet spread. Their appealing golden color and comforting aroma make them disappear fast, and every bite reminds you of the joy and warmth of the season.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind that they’re more tart and contain more moisture. To balance the flavor, chop them finely and reduce the broth slightly to prevent the stuffing mixture from becoming too wet.

Q2: What type of turkey works best for this recipe?
Both cooked turkey leftovers and ground turkey work well. If you’re using ground turkey, cook it first with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until no longer pink before adding it to the stuffing mixture.

Q3: Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance, store them covered in the refrigerator, and bake them when you’re ready. They also freeze beautifully — just freeze them unbaked, then bake directly from frozen.

Q4: What can I serve with these stuffing balls?
They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a rich turkey gravy. For a lighter touch, try them with a fresh green salad and a side of cranberry sauce.

Q5: How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure to add enough beaten egg and broth so the mixture binds together properly before shaping.