Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stuffing balls take everything you love about Thanksgiving and roll it into bite-sized perfection. They’re crispy, aromatic, and bursting with flavor — a beautiful blend of herbs, turkey, and tangy cranberries. They bake up golden brown and are easy to make ahead, freeze, and reheat. Whether you’re serving them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as part of a festive appetizer platter, they bring all the flavors of the holidays together in one irresistible bite.
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Holiday Favorite in Every Bite
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 18 stuffing balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect bite-sized holiday side dish or appetizer — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the savory flavors of turkey, herbs, and tart cranberries. They’re a fun twist on classic stuffing, ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on stuffing saltiness)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed for moisture)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, cranberries, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add beaten eggs and mix until everything is well incorporated. If the mixture feels too dry, add a few tablespoons of broth until it holds together easily when rolled.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each stuffing ball lightly with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on the outside.
- Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a creamy herb dip.
Notes
- Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers — just combine extra turkey and stuffing!
- To make ahead, form the balls and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking.
- Air fryer option: cook at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes of cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Turkey: Finely chopped leftover roasted or shredded turkey makes this recipe flavorful and hearty.
Stuffing Mix or Homemade Stuffing: The base that provides structure and classic herbed flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Add sweet-tart pops of flavor throughout.
Celery: Brings freshness and crunch for texture balance.
Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the stuffing base.
Butter: Enhances richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Chicken or Turkey Broth: Keeps the mixture moist and binds the ingredients together.
Eggs: Help hold the stuffing balls together as they bake.
Poultry Seasoning: A savory blend of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary — the essence of holiday flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a bright herbal note.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, cooked turkey, cranberries, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed vegetables. Add broth gradually, just until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in the eggs and parsley until everything is well combined.
Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball (approximately 2 inches in diameter). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. For extra color and texture, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.
Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 stuffing balls, serving 6–8 people. Prep time takes around 20 minutes, and baking time is 25 minutes, for a total of 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Balls
Replace turkey with cooked crumbled sausage for a heartier, savory twist.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and use vegetable broth with extra mushrooms or chopped nuts for texture.
Apple Cranberry Delight
Add finely chopped apples to the mix for a sweet, fruity layer of flavor.
Cheese-Stuffed Balls
Insert a small cube of cheddar or brie in the center of each ball for a gooey surprise.
Herb Lovers’ Blend
Add extra fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme for deeper holiday aroma.
Bacon-Wrapped Version
Wrap each stuffing ball in half a slice of bacon before baking for a smoky, crispy upgrade.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover stuffing?
Yes! Just mix it with turkey, cranberries, and eggs to help bind the mixture before shaping.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can, but they’ll add more tartness — chop them finely to distribute evenly.
3. How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist and use eggs as a binder. Gently press them together when forming.
4. Can I air fry these?
Yes — cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
5. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, shape them ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
6. What kind of stuffing mix works best?
Traditional herbed or cornbread stuffing mix both work well, depending on your flavor preference.
7. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free stuffing mix and check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
8. What’s the best dipping sauce?
Classic turkey gravy or cranberry relish complement these perfectly.
9. Can I make them smaller for appetizers?
Yes — make 1-inch balls and reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
10. How can I make them extra crispy?
Brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking, or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Conclusion
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about the holidays — savory, comforting, and full of flavor — all rolled into one perfect bite. With their crisp exterior, tender interior, and a burst of cranberry sweetness, they’re ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or creative leftover makeovers. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or enjoyed on their own, these stuffing balls capture the spirit of the season and bring joy to every festive table.
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