Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a fresh, festive twist on classic stuffing. Combining savory ground turkey with tart cranberries and aromatic herbs, these bite-sized delights are perfect as an appetizer or a unique side dish for your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, chopped onion, celery, garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and incorporate it thoroughly into the mixture.
4. Step 4: Beat the eggs and chicken broth together, then pour into the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
6. Step 6: Place the stuffing balls evenly spaced on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over them.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Add fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or additional thyme for more fragrant stuffing balls.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers or carrots to add more texture and nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Drizzle finished stuffing balls with maple syrup for a subtle sweetness that complements the cranberries.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the balls by first arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls in advance. Keep them refrigerated and bake shortly before serving for best results.

What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in the stuffing balls?

Gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked grains like quinoa work well as substitutes, offering a different texture while keeping the binding intact.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 75 reviews

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a festive and flavorful twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory ground turkey, tart fresh cranberries, and aromatic herbs. These bite-sized balls are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for holiday gatherings or cozy meals.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
2. Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry and fresh ingredients thoroughly to build the stuffing base.
3. Add the Turkey and Liquids: Add the ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth to the stuffing mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the turkey is evenly distributed.
4. Form the Balls: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and take a handful of the mixture to roll into balls approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and easy serving.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the formed stuffing balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they bake uniformly and achieve a nice crust.
6. Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and thoroughly heated through.
7. Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. They pair well with sauces or gravies for added moisture and flavor.

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to add different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or spices and incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: Stuffing balls can be frozen by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, baked stuffing balls, turkey appetizers, festive stuffing recipe