Cranberry turkey stuffing has always been my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. I can still remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make her famous Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. I was just a little girl, probably no more than 8 or 9 years old, but I was determined to help out in the kitchen that year. I’ll never forget the look on Grandma’s face as she patiently showed me how to properly mix the stuffing, form it into little balls, and bake them to crispy perfection.
The aroma of those Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls wafting through the house is a smell I’ll never forget. The tangy-sweet cranberries, the savory herbs and spices, and the tender turkey all coming together in one heavenly bite. I’d hover around the oven, waiting anxiously for them to finish baking so I could be the first one to try them. And of course, Grandma always let me – she knew how much I loved her Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of stuffing recipes, but I always come back to Grandma’s classic Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about them. They’ve become a Thanksgiving tradition in my own home, and I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you.
Why This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
What makes Grandma’s Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs and spices creates a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. And by forming the stuffing into little balls, you get a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist interior. It’s a simple technique that elevates the classic Thanksgiving stuffing to something truly extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey: The foundation of the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Make sure to use high-quality, freshly ground turkey for the best texture.
- Fresh cranberries: These provide the signature tart-sweet flavor that makes this stuffing so irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the stuffing and gives it a nice, tender crumb.
- Onion and celery: These aromatic veggies add depth of flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable savory punch.
- Herbs: A blend of sage, thyme, and parsley brings all the Thanksgiving flavors together.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Helps moisten the stuffing and keep it from drying out.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the stuffing balls achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Salt and pepper: To season the stuffing and bring all the flavors into balance.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are surprisingly easy to make, and they’re the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible bites ready to serve. The total prep and cooking time is around 1 hour, and the only equipment you’ll need is a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and oven.
1- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, fresh cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion and celery, minced garlic, and a blend of chopped sage, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
2- Gently mix the ingredients together until they’re well incorporated, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should come together easily but still have a light, fluffy texture.
3- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the stuffing mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
4- Brush the tops of the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls lightly with melted butter to help them achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
5- Bake the stuffing balls in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through.
6- Remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these flavorful bites as a side dish or appetizer at your Thanksgiving celebration.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfectly moist and flavorful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is to not overmix the ingredients. This can make the texture dense and heavy. Gently combine the turkey, cranberries, and breadcrumbs, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Another tip is to use freshly ground turkey for the best texture. Pre-ground turkey can sometimes be a bit dry, so grinding your own turkey just before making the stuffing will ensure a tender, juicy result.
Finally, be sure to brush the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with melted butter before baking. This helps them achieve that delightful crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and flavorful.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they also make a great appetizer or snack any time of year. Serve them alongside your roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole for a classic holiday feast. They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter, healthier meal.
For beverages, a glass of crisp white wine or a rich, velvety red would be the perfect accompaniment to these savory stuffing balls. And don’t forget a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is that they can be made ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. Simply prepare the stuffing mixture, form the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking.
When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed. You can also freeze the uncooked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Creative Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations
While Grandma’s classic Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved recipe. Try swapping out the ground turkey for Italian sausage or spicy chorizo for a flavorful twist. You could also add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch, or stir in a handful of dried apricots or cherries for a pop of sweetness.
For a seasonal variation, use a combination of fresh and dried cranberries, or experiment with different herbs like rosemary or marjoram. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making them into mini muffin-sized bites for a fun party appetizer.
Making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Diet-Friendly
To make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a bit more diet-friendly, you can swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use a low-carb alternative like almond flour or crushed pork rinds. For a vegan or vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground turkey with diced mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based protein.
Just be sure to adjust the seasonings and cooking times accordingly. And if you’re watching your fat intake, you can reduce the amount of butter used for brushing the tops or omit it altogether and spray the balls with a bit of olive oil instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries will work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
Q: How long do the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls take to bake?
A: The stuffing balls will bake for 25-30 minutes in a 375°F oven, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbrowning.
Q: Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, the uncooked stuffing balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking, or frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Q: How many Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24-30 1-inch stuffing balls, depending on how large you form them. It’s a great recipe to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
A: For best results, reheat the leftover stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. You can also try reheating them in the air fryer for a quick and easy option.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Tender, juicy turkey, tart cranberries, and warm spices come together in bite-sized form for a cozy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp poultry seasoning
– 1/2 tsp dried sage
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. – Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and gently roll into 1-inch balls.
4. – Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground turkey and ground pork. You can also add a splash of turkey or chicken broth to the mixture for extra moisture. These stuffing balls can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grandma’s Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a true Thanksgiving classic, and I’m so excited to share this beloved recipe with you. The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs and spices is simply irresistible.
These stuffing balls are the perfect side dish or appetizer for your holiday feast, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple techniques, you can achieve that crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior that makes these bites so special.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to wow your friends and family with the most delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls they’ve ever tasted. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!
