Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a festive twist on classic holiday flavors. These bite-sized treats combine savory ground turkey, sweet dried cranberries, and fragrant herbs for a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Perfect as an appetizer or side, they bring comfort and cheer to any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/74°C).

Tips & Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Swap sage and thyme with rosemary or parsley for a fresh herbal twist.
• For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Serve with cranberry sauce or gravy for added moisture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat before serving.

Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

This recipe uses dried bread cubes which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread cubes or crumbs.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls combine savory ground turkey with the traditional flavors of stuffing and a hint of sweet dried cranberries. These bite-sized, golden-baked morsels bring a festive twist to your holiday table, perfect as appetizers or side dishes. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they offer a delicious, crowd-pleasing addition to any celebration.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffing balls.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion until evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the turkey mixture: In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Mix together: Add the turkey mixture into the bowl containing the bread cube mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all components into a consistent stuffing mixture.
5. Shape the stuffing balls: Form the combined mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, making sure they are compact and hold their shape. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the balls are golden brown and an internal temperature of 160°F (74°C) is reached to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.

Notes

• Ensure the turkey is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to check for 160°F internal temperature.
• You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
• For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the turkey mixture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat frozen stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• These stuffing balls are versatile and can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or part of a buffet.
• Pair with cranberry sauce or savory gravy for enhanced flavor.

Keywords: stuffing balls, turkey stuffing, cranberry stuffing, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing balls, festive recipes, turkey recipes, bite-sized appetizers