Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a side dish that captures the season in every bite. Cranberry turkey stuffing balls do just that, with juicy ground turkey, tart cranberries, and cozy herbs baked into golden rounds. These little bites double as a festive side dish or an appetizer you can pass around before carving the turkey. Even better, they are easy to prepare ahead of time and oven-baked to perfection, so they reduce holiday stress. As a result, they add a colorful and flavorful twist to your table without extra effort.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
Thanksgiving-ready cranberry turkey stuffing balls made with herbs, bread, and juicy turkey. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add turkey, eggs, and broth; mix until combined.
- Shape into 1 to 1½-inch balls.
- Arrange on greased sheet pan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Use dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
- Make ahead and refrigerate mixture until ready to bake.
- Check turkey reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are easy, versatile, and holiday-ready. In fact, the balance of savory turkey and tangy cranberries makes each bite rich yet refreshing. They bake quickly and stay moist without falling apart, which means they are ideal for busy hosts. Furthermore, they work as both a side dish and an appetizer, so you can use them wherever you need a festive bite. Finally, they are the kind of recipe that becomes a Thanksgiving tradition after just one try.
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these festive bites. Each ingredient adds depth, aroma, and texture, making these stuffing balls the perfect holiday side. Moreover, simple pantry staples make them easy to prepare.
Pantry & Fresh Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 lb |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1 stalk |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Dried sage | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | for drizzling |
Substitutions for Turkey Cranberry Stuffing
Fresh cranberries add tartness, but dried cranberries can be used if you prefer sweetness. In addition, gluten-free breadcrumbs make the recipe safe for celiac guests. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version, provided you use plant-based meat. Finally, adding cooked sausage turns the recipe into a heartier holiday side.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffing Balls
Time needed: 45 minutes
Before you start cooking, set your oven and prepare your workspace. This way, your stuffing balls bake evenly and turn out moist and flavorful.
- Preheat the oven
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the stuffing mix
Next, combine breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Add the turkey
Then, stir in ground turkey, eggs, and broth until everything is evenly mixed.
- Shape the balls
After that, dampen your hands and roll the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls.
- Arrange for baking
Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment and place the balls evenly spaced apart.
- Bake until golden
Now, bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and the turkey reaches 165°F (USDA food safety).
- Serve warm
Finally, let them rest briefly, then serve with cranberry sauce or gravy.
Pro Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
For deeper flavor, sauté onions, celery, and garlic before mixing. Also, if the mix feels dry, add a splash of broth. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs instead. In addition, wet your hands for easier rolling and even shaping. Most importantly, always check the internal temperature with a thermometer for safety.
Variations & Substitutions for Thanksgiving Stuffing
There are many ways to personalize this dish. For instance, swap turkey for chicken or plant-based meat. You can also fold in diced apples or pecans for a sweet-crunchy bite. On the other hand, brushing them with maple syrup adds a sweet-savory glaze. Lastly, use olive oil instead of butter to keep the dish dairy-free.
Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls With
These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery green beans. They also make a cozy match for cheesy scalloped potatoes, adding richness to the table. As an appetizer, they shine alongside savory dips, tangy cranberry sauce, or even a fresh seasonal salad, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy them throughout the holiday meal.
Storage & Reheat for Stuffing Balls
Cool the stuffing balls completely before storing. Afterward, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. If freezing, arrange them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. As always, thaw in the fridge before reheating for safety (FDA food storage).
Nutrition for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Each serving (2 balls) has about 150 calories, with 10g protein, 12g carbs, and 6g fat. In addition, cranberries add vitamin C while turkey provides lean protein, making the dish nutritious as well as delicious (NIH nutrition reference).
FAQs About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Yes, fresh cranberries add tartness that balances turkey’s richness. Moreover, they keep the stuffing bright and flavorful.
Yes. Dried cranberries provide sweetness and chew. To avoid dryness, soak them briefly in broth before mixing.
Cranberries give turkey a sweet-tart balance. As a result, this pairing has been part of North American tradition for centuries and remains a Thanksgiving staple.
Moisture comes from broth and eggs binding the mixture. In addition, avoid overbaking, and serve with gravy for extra juiciness.
More Like This Thanksgiving Side
If you enjoyed these cranberry turkey stuffing balls, you’ll want to try more seasonal recipes from Recipes2Gather. Each one offers a unique twist to round out your holiday table.
- Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: A classic version that’s hearty, aromatic, and perfect alongside turkey.
- Garlic Bread Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls that make an irresistible addition to any feast.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: A crunchy, fresh side dish that balances rich holiday flavors.
- Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A family-style baked dish that’s filling, colorful, and easy to prepare.
Save This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Planning ahead? Save or pin this recipe now so you’re ready when Thanksgiving arrives. In addition, share it with friends, leave a comment, and make it part of your holiday tradition.