Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffing balls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
