When the holidays roll around, few things bring comfort and nostalgia like the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberries. This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe takes all those beloved Thanksgiving elements and transforms them into perfectly portioned, flavorful bites. They’re crisp on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with savory-sweet goodness. I first made these for a post-holiday gathering to use up leftovers—and they were such a hit that now I make them fresh every year. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course with gravy, these stuffing balls deliver the essence of the holidays in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stuffing balls combine classic holiday ingredients in a convenient, bite-sized form. They’re easy to make ahead, freeze well, and can be served warm or at room temperature. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or festive gatherings, they’re flavorful, hearty, and filled with textures everyone loves—soft stuffing, juicy turkey, and tangy cranberries. They also make a creative way to repurpose leftover holiday ingredients without sacrificing taste or presentation.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: A Festive Twist on Classic Holiday Flavors
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A festive and flavorful holiday appetizer made with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and tart cranberries, shaped into bite-sized balls and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup gravy or cranberry sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped turkey, stuffing, and dried cranberries.
- Add broth, sage, pepper, and salt, mixing until well combined and moist.
- Stir in the beaten egg to help bind the mixture together.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Try adding chopped pecans or fresh herbs for extra texture and flavor.
- Can also be air-fried at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispier result.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Turkey – Shredded or finely chopped turkey adds hearty, lean protein and savory flavor. It’s an excellent way to use leftovers from a holiday meal.
Stuffing Mix or Leftover Stuffing – The foundation of the recipe, providing that comforting blend of bread, herbs, and butter. If using a dry mix, prepare it according to package directions first.
Dried Cranberries – Add a pop of sweetness and color that balances the savory turkey and stuffing beautifully.
Eggs – Help bind the mixture together, ensuring the stuffing balls hold their shape while baking.
Chicken or Turkey Broth – Keeps the mixture moist and flavorful, preventing the stuffing from becoming too dry.
Butter – Adds richness and that familiar homemade taste. Melted butter also helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors, giving the perfect balance of seasoning.
Fresh Parsley (optional) – Adds brightness and color, ideal for garnishing before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the stuffing base: In a large bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, chopped turkey, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add moisture and binders: Whisk the eggs and pour them over the mixture. Add melted butter and just enough chicken or turkey broth to moisten the mixture. It should hold together when pressed but not feel soggy.
- Shape the balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 2-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 stuffing balls, serving 6–8 people. Total time is approximately 40 minutes—15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to bake. It’s ideal for preparing ahead of time and reheating when ready to serve.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispness. To freeze, place cooked stuffing balls on a tray to harden, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Balls – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for a creamy, melty surprise inside.
Herb Lovers’ Version – Enhance the flavor with extra sage, thyme, or rosemary for that quintessential holiday aroma.
Sausage & Turkey Mix – Combine half ground sausage and half cooked turkey for a richer, heartier version.
Vegan Twist – Use vegetable broth, plant-based stuffing, and vegan butter; replace eggs with flaxseed “eggs.”
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Mini Stuffing Muffins – Press the mixture into a mini muffin tin instead of rolling balls for a fun presentation and easy serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing and turkey?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for leftovers—just ensure the mixture is moist enough to hold together.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Absolutely. Shape the balls, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes, lightly pan-fry in butter or oil until golden, then finish in the oven for 10 minutes.
What kind of stuffing mix works best?
Traditional herb-seasoned or cornbread stuffing both work well.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are preferred, but chopped fresh cranberries can be used for a tangier flavor.
Do I have to use turkey?
No, cooked chicken is a great substitute.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist but firm and that the eggs are well incorporated.
What sauce pairs best with these?
Turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or even honey mustard complement them beautifully.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
How can I make them extra crispy?
Brush with melted butter before baking or broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, transforming familiar holiday flavors into something fun, portable, and delicious. Whether served as a party appetizer or a cozy main dish, they’re festive, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Once you make them, they’ll become a new tradition at your holiday table—easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of seasonal cheer.
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