Festive 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
Scale
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
