Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
My Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on a traditional holiday favorite. These golden, bite-sized delights combine tender turkey, tart cranberries, and savory herbs for a dish that’s flavorful, festive, and easy to prepare. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family gathering, they can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or even a main course with gravy or cranberry sauce. Simple to make and wonderfully versatile, these stuffing balls will become a staple on your holiday menu.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Finely chop the cooked turkey and onion. Ensure the turkey pieces are small and evenly sized.
- Combine the base ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing, turkey, and dried cranberries.
- Season the mixture. Add parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Add binding ingredients. Pour in the beaten egg and broth. Mix until the ingredients hold together when pressed. If it feels dry, add a bit more broth.
- Shape the stuffing balls. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, pressing lightly so they hold their shape.
- Place on the tray. Arrange the stuffing balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter. This step helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes. Turn halfway through for even browning. They should be golden and firm to the touch.
- Serve warm. Garnish with parsley and serve with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
You can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
These stuffing balls can be frozen raw or cooked — ideal for batch cooking.
For added texture, try mixing in chopped celery, diced carrots, or crushed nuts.
To make them lighter, bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation.