These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls combine the savory richness of turkey with the sweetness of cranberries and the aromatic herbs, creating a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are ideal for holiday gatherings or as a special appetizer.
Serve these stuffing balls warm alongside cranberry sauce or gravy for a complete festive experience. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch. Whether for a party, a family dinner, or a holiday feast, they add a cozy and delicious flair to any occasion.
Full Recipe:
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and stir to combine.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/74°C).
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 80 kcal per ball | Servings: 16-20 stuffing balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Festive Twist on Classic Holiday Flavors
The holidays are synonymous with family gatherings, festive meals, and delicious traditions. One of the most beloved elements of these occasions is the food that brings everyone together. If you’re looking for a new way to elevate your holiday spread with a fresh take on the classic flavors of turkey and stuffing, look no further than Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. These delightful bite-sized treats offer a unique combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs—all wrapped in a golden, crispy exterior.
Why You Should Try Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, offering a memorable twist on traditional holiday dishes. With ground turkey, bread cubes, dried cranberries, and a variety of herbs, these little bites provide a taste of comfort in every mouthful. The addition of cranberries adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich flavors of turkey and stuffing.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. You can serve these stuffing balls as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as part of a festive buffet. They’re quick to prepare and bake, making them a stress-free addition to any holiday meal. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or bringing a dish to a potluck, Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to be a hit with guests.
The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
When it comes to holiday parties, appetizers are essential for setting the tone of the meal. Guests often arrive hungry, and having a variety of appetizers to choose from is key to keeping everyone satisfied before the main course. Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls fit perfectly into this role.
Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for easy snacking, and their combination of flavors works well with a variety of beverages, from wine to holiday punches. Pair them with a tangy cranberry sauce or a savory gravy for an added layer of flavor. Because they are portable and easy to handle, they’re also great for parties where guests might be mingling or standing. There’s no need for forks or knives—just grab, dip, and enjoy!
A Versatile Holiday Dish
One of the best aspects of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is how versatile they are. While they’re an excellent choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, they can also be served at other occasions such as New Year’s Eve parties, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties. The comforting combination of turkey and stuffing is universally loved, and the sweetness of cranberries adds a festive touch that fits perfectly with holiday celebrations.
The dish can also be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences. For example, you can omit nuts for a nut-free version or add a spicy kick by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These small adjustments allow you to make the dish your own while keeping it flavorful and festive.
Simple to Prepare, Quick to Bake
Another major advantage of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is their simplicity. The preparation process is quick and easy, requiring minimal cooking tools. You’ll need just a large bowl for mixing the ingredients and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The stuffing balls bake in about 20-25 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal or party preparations.
This simplicity also makes the recipe great for beginners in the kitchen. If you’re new to cooking or don’t have much experience with holiday meals, these stuffing balls offer an approachable way to contribute something delicious to the table. Plus, they’re forgiving—if you need to adjust the moisture content or make other tweaks, it’s easy to do without compromising the flavor or texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the most convenient features of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is how well they store and reheat. If you have leftovers (which is often the case during the holidays!), you can easily refrigerate them for up to three days. Simply store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you want to store them for an extended period, freezing is an option. These stuffing balls freeze well, and you can keep them for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy once again.
Customizing Your Stuffing Balls
While the basic recipe for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is delicious on its own, you can easily add your own personal twist to it. Here are a few ideas for customizing the dish:
- Add Nuts for Crunch: If you enjoy the texture of nuts in your stuffing, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture. These will provide an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Herb Variations: While sage and thyme are the traditional herbs used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with others. Rosemary, parsley, or even a dash of poultry seasoning can bring a fresh perspective to the flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture. The heat will balance out the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a dynamic contrast of flavors.
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them. They pair beautifully with a variety of holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, they can be complemented with dipping sauces such as cranberry sauce or gravy.
For a festive touch, you can garnish the stuffing balls with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the dish with a burst of herbal fragrance. Whether you’re preparing them as a side or an appetizer, these stuffing balls will be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday meal.
Conclusion
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Their combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. These bite-sized morsels are quick to prepare, easy to bake, and versatile enough to fit into any holiday celebration. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or buffet item, they’ll add a festive and delicious touch to your meal. So, why not try something new this holiday season and wow your guests with this simple, yet flavorful recipe?