Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine savory ground turkey with sweet dried cranberries and fragrant herbs for a deliciously balanced dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, they are simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Mix in the chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley until the mixture is well combined.
- Step 4: Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture for extra texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried for a different flavor.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for ground turkey without any issues.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls ahead of time, then refrigerate them before baking.
What can I serve with these stuffing balls?
They pair well with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a light salad.
How do I know when they are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze these stuffing balls?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binding substitute for eggs.
How can I make them more flavorful?
Consider adding grated cheese or sautéed vegetables to the mixture for extra flavor.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs all work well, depending on your preference.
Are these suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative.
PrintFestive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine the savory goodness of ground turkey with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries and aromatic herbs. These easy-to-make, baked stuffing balls are perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, offering a flavorful, moist, and wholesome side dish or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Meat and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Liquids and Binders
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Add Liquids and Bind: Stir in the chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky, which will help in shaping the balls.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve these festive stuffing balls hot as a delicious side or appetizer, perfect for complementing holiday or family meals.
Notes
- These stuffing balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- To add extra texture, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the mixture.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or substitute thyme to vary the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for an egg-free binder.
- For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, festive appetizer, baked stuffing recipe, cranberry stuffing balls, holiday side dish
