Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without grandma’s famous Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down in our family for generations, and one I look forward to every single year. The aroma of the savory turkey, the sweet tang of the cranberries, and the comforting warmth of the stuffing – it all just takes me right back to childhood, sitting around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter.
My grandma would spend all day in the kitchen, carefully crafting each and every Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Ball to perfection. She’d start by sautéing the onions and celery until they were perfectly softened, then fold in the cubed bread, turkey, and fresh cranberries. The secret, she always said, was in the seasoning – just the right blend of sage, thyme, and a touch of poultry seasoning to really make those flavors sing.
Once the mixture was ready, she’d carefully shape it into little balls and pop them in the oven until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still soft and tender on the inside. The hardest part was waiting for them to cool enough to dig in! I can still remember the first time I tried one – the burst of tart cranberry, the savory turkey, and the comforting, herby stuffing all coming together in the most amazing way. It was love at first bite, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Why This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday side dish – they’ve got all the classic Thanksgiving flavors you crave, plus a fun, handheld presentation that makes them a real crowd-pleaser. The secret to getting them just right is in the technique. You want to make sure you don’t overmix the filling, which can make the texture dense and heavy. And getting that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and moist takes a bit of finesse. But trust me, once you nail it, this recipe will become your go-to for all your holiday gatherings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Cubed bread – This provides the base for the stuffing. I like to use a day-old, crusty sourdough or French bread for the best texture.
- Turkey – Cooked, shredded or chopped turkey is the star of the show. You can use leftovers from your Thanksgiving feast, or pick up some pre-cooked turkey breast.
- Onion and celery – These veggies add essential flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries lend a delightful tartness that balances out the savory turkey and herbs.
- Herbs and spices – Sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning are must-haves for that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- Chicken or turkey broth – This helps bind the stuffing together and keep it nice and moist.
- Eggs – Helping to hold everything together and give the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls their signature shape.
Step-by-Step Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect make-ahead side dish for your holiday table. The prep time is relatively quick, and the actual cooking time is hands-off, leaving you free to focus on the main event. In total, you’re looking at about an hour and a half from start to finish – plenty of time to whip up a batch (or two!) to share with your guests.
1- Start by sautéing the onion and celery in a large skillet until they’re nice and softened, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the foundation of flavor for your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls.
2- Next, add in the cubed bread, shredded turkey, cranberries, and all your herbs and spices. Toss everything together until it’s evenly combined, then slowly pour in the broth, stirring as you go, until the mixture is nicely moistened but not sopping wet.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs. Pour this into the stuffing mixture and use your hands to gently incorporate it, being careful not to overmix. You want the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls to have a light, fluffy texture, not a dense, heavy one.
4- Grab a small cookie scoop or spoon and portion the stuffing into balls, about 2-inches wide. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between each one.
5- Pop the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls in the oven and bake them for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6- Let them cool for 5 minutes or so before serving warm. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is all in the technique. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to gently mix the filling – this helps prevent over-mixing, which can lead to a dense, heavy texture. And be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
Another pro tip? Make a double batch and freeze half – that way, you can enjoy these tasty bites long after the holidays are over. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside your roast turkey, of course, but they also pair beautifully with baked ham, roasted chicken, or even as a veggie-packed main course.
For the ultimate holiday spread, I love to serve them with some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a big ol’ slice of pumpkin pie. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce – it’s the perfect accompaniment to these flavorful stuffing balls.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls is that they reheat like a dream. You can make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again.
You can also freeze these bad boys for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Creative Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to put a twist on classic Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. Try swapping in different types of bread, like cornbread or whole wheat. You could also experiment with add-ins like sausage, mushrooms, or even apple for a touch of sweetness.
For a Mediterranean flair, try using Italian seasoning in place of the traditional poultry herbs, and tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives. And if you’re a fan of spice, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can really take these stuffing balls to the next level.
Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Diet-Friendly
Craving Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls but trying to watch your waistline? No problem! There are plenty of easy swaps you can make to lighten up this recipe.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the cubed bread. You can also skip the eggs and use a flax or chia “egg” instead.
Looking to go low-carb? Swap the bread for riced cauliflower or finely chopped mushrooms. And for a vegan spin, use plant-based “turkey” and skip the eggs, opting for a flax or chia binder instead.
No matter how you make them, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Dried cranberries will work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to plump them up a bit by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
Q: How long do the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls take to bake?
A: These stuffing balls bake for 20-25 minutes in a 375°F oven, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
Q: Can I make the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These stuffing balls are a great make-ahead side dish. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven on the day you plan to serve them.
Q: How many Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 individual stuffing balls, depending on how large you portion them out. It’s a great recipe to double or even triple if you’re feeding a crowd!
Q: What should I do if the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls fall apart when I try to shape them?
A: If you’re having trouble getting the stuffing to hold its shape, try adding an extra egg or two to the mixture. The eggs help bind everything together. You can also try refrigerating the stuffing for 30 minutes before portioning it into balls – the chilled mixture will be easier to work with.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24
Description
Juicy, savory Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer! These flavor-packed bites feature ground turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs for a delectable and festive treat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– 2 cups cubed bread or stuffing mix
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberries, bread cubes, onion, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. – Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a lighter option, you can use ground chicken instead of turkey.
– Feel free to adjust the herb and seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences.
– Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday side dish – they’ve got all the classic Thanksgiving flavors you crave, plus a fun, handheld presentation that makes them a real crowd-pleaser. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to master the art of these tasty stuffing balls in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and start shaping up a batch of these delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. Your friends and family are going to go absolutely wild for them! And don’t forget to snap a pic and share it with me – I love seeing your culinary creations. Enjoy!
