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