Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive, Flavor-Packed Holiday Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls capture everything comforting about a holiday meal in one compact, beautifully baked bite. These perfectly portioned stuffing balls combine savory turkey, aromatic herbs, soft breadcrumbs, and bright pops of cranberry for a balanced, festive flavor profile. They bake to a golden exterior while remaining moist and tender inside, making them ideal for serving as appetizers, side dishes, or part of a holiday buffet. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how easily it transforms leftover turkey and stale bread into something new and impressive. I have also tried swapping the traditional milk for warmed almond milk once, and the mixture still held together wonderfully. If you’re searching for a simple recipe that delivers nostalgic holiday comfort with a touch of sophistication, these stuffing balls are a delightful and dependable option.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked Turkey

Cooked turkey adds hearty protein and depth to the stuffing balls. Finely chopped, it integrates smoothly with the bread mixture and enhances the savory foundation of the recipe.

Breadcrumbs or Stuffing Mix

Breadcrumbs or dry stuffing mix contribute structure and absorb moisture, helping the mixture hold its shape during rolling and baking.

Cranberries

Cranberries introduce tart bursts that balance the richness of the turkey and bread. Both dried and fresh options work well, depending on your preferred texture and intensity.

Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and ensure the stuffing balls maintain their form during baking.

Milk or Broth

Milk creates tenderness, while broth infuses additional savory flavor. Almond milk can also be used for a lighter alternative.

Butter

Melted butter enriches the mixture and helps create a beautifully browned exterior as the stuffing balls bake.

Celery

Celery adds freshness and a subtle crunch, contributing welcome contrast in texture.

Onion

Onion provides aromatic depth and enhances the traditional holiday stuffing flavor profile.

Poultry Seasoning

This blend of herbs ties the dish together, giving it the unmistakable essence of holiday meals.

Salt and Black Pepper

Simple seasonings that heighten every flavor and maintain a balanced taste.

Directions

Begin by finely chopping the cooked turkey, celery, and onion to create a uniform texture that will blend smoothly with the breadcrumbs. Sauté the onion and celery in a bit of butter until softened and aromatic. This step helps the vegetables meld seamlessly into the mixture and prevents raw crunch once baked.

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs or stuffing mix, and cranberries. Lightly beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Warm the milk or broth and pour it gradually over the mixture, starting with a small amount. Mix until the ingredients become cohesive, moist enough to shape easily but not overly wet. I often allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes to let the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid fully.

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, placing them slightly apart on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter for enhanced browning. Bake until golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to rest briefly before serving so they hold their shape.

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

Serves 6–8 depending on size.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a moderate temperature to restore crispness, or warm gently in the microwave with a splash of broth if they seem dry.

Variations and Customizations

Add Sausage

Incorporate cooked sausage for a richer, more robust flavor profile.

Use Cornbread

Swap the breadcrumbs with crumbled cornbread to create a sweeter, Southern-inspired version.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Include Nuts

Chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch and seasonal character.

Try Fresh Herbs

Add parsley, sage, or thyme for extra aromatic complexity.

Make It Dairy-Free

Use broth instead of milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.

Add Apples

Finely diced apples introduce sweetness and moisture.

Mix in Cheese

A handful of grated Parmesan or cheddar adds savory richness.

Use Leftover Stuffing

Replace the breadcrumb mixture with leftover stuffing for a quicker preparation.

Shape Into Patties

Create small patties instead of balls for a crispier exterior.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly and blends easily into the mixture.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries can be used but will add more tartness and moisture.

How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is moist enough and that the eggs are thoroughly incorporated.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or stuffing mix for an easy adaptation.

Do I need to sauté the vegetables?

Sautéing improves texture and prevents raw flavors.

Can I freeze stuffing balls?

Yes, freeze before or after baking and reheat in the oven.

What can I serve them with?

They complement roast turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, chicken is an excellent substitute.

How do I prevent them from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and add a splash of broth if the mixture feels too dry.

Can they be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive, versatile dish that captures the comforting spirit of holiday cooking in each bite. With their balanced blend of savory and sweet flavors, they elevate any holiday spread while remaining simple to prepare. Their portability and crisp-tender texture make them suitable for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners using leftovers. Whether you follow the classic version or customize it with your preferred ingredients, these stuffing balls are a delightful addition to any seasonal menu.

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