When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, everyone has their favorite dishes. But if you’re looking to bring something new, exciting, and incredibly delicious to the holiday table this year, look no further. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun, festive, and genius way to enjoy all the classic flavors of stuffing in a brand new way.
Forget trying to get the perfect slice of stuffing from the casserole dish. These individual stuffing balls are perfectly portioned, crispy on the outside, and wonderfully moist and tender on the inside. They are the perfect solution for a potluck, a holiday appetizer platter, or a unique addition to your main meal. The best part? This recipe is the perfect use for leftover turkey from your holiday feast, transforming it into something truly special.
Each bite is a celebration of classic holiday flavors: savory herbs like sage and thyme, sweet and tart cranberries, aromatic onion and celery, and the rich, comforting taste of turkey. They are fantastic served on their own, but even better when dipped in a side of hot turkey gravy or tangy cranberry sauce. They’re so good, they might just steal the show from the main course!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a delicious twist on a classic—it’s also a holiday host’s best friend. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these festive stuffing balls:
- The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dish: You can prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or even the freezer. Simply pop them in the oven on the day of your event, freeing up valuable oven space and time.
- Perfect for Parties: Their small, individual size makes them incredibly easy to serve and enjoy. No plates and forks required for a standing appetizer! They’re the ideal finger food for any holiday gathering.
- Uses Leftovers Creatively: This is one of the most delicious ways to use up leftover turkey. It takes something that’s often an afterthought and turns it into a craveable new dish.
- Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The high-heat baking process gives these balls a beautiful, golden-brown crust that provides an amazing textural contrast to the soft, herby interior.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: These are always a huge hit with both kids and adults. They’re a fun and flavorful alternative that everyone will be talking about.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf (1.5 lbs) of day-old white bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for the baking sheet
- 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
- 2 cups finely chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or finely diced turkey meat (light or dark meat)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, warmed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Bread: A day or two before, cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a large baking sheet to dry out. If you’re short on time, you can toast them in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are dry and firm. This is key to preventing soggy stuffing balls.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs (sage, thyme, and rosemary) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, the cooked turkey, and the dried cranberries. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread mixture.
- Add the Liquids & Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, 3 cups of the warmed broth, salt, and pepper. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add the remaining broth, a little at a time, until the bread is just moistened and holds its shape when squeezed.
- Form the Balls: Generously butter or line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Take a handful of the stuffing mixture (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) and gently compress it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and heated through. For extra crispiness, you can turn them halfway through the baking time.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Dry Bread is Non-Negotiable: This is the single most important tip. If your bread is too fresh or soft, the balls will fall apart and become gummy. Day-old or toasted bread holds up to the liquid and creates the perfect interior texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when tossing the ingredients together. Overmixing can break down the bread cubes too much and lead to a mushy texture.
- Moisture is Key: The amount of broth you need can vary based on your bread and how dry it is. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if the mixture is too dry to form a ball. You should be able to squeeze it gently in your hand and have it hold its shape without crumbling.
- Seasoning is Your Friend: Taste the mixture before you form the balls. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or add a bit more of your favorite herbs.
- Butter the Pan: Buttering the baking sheet adds a beautiful layer of flavor and helps the bottoms of the balls get that perfect golden-brown crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any taste.
- Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of turkey gravy and leftover cranberry sauce for dipping. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive garnish.
- As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside your main Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. They’re a great alternative to a classic stuffing casserole.
- For Leftovers: They make a wonderful addition to a next-day leftover sandwich or bowl.
- Variations:
- Add Sausage: For extra protein and flavor, brown 1/2 pound of your favorite sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey) and add it to the sautéed vegetables.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for a pleasant textural contrast.
- Cheese Please: Add 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture before forming the balls.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with different herbs like fresh sage, parsley, or even a pinch of dried savory.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted butternut squash for a delicious vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these with a different protein? Yes! This recipe works great with shredded cooked chicken, sausage, or even a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
- Can I use fresh bread? It’s highly recommended to use day-old or toasted bread. Fresh bread will soak up too much liquid and result in a mushy stuffing ball that won’t hold its shape.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Can I freeze them? Yes, you can! Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely. Simply use a sturdy, gluten-free bread and follow the same instructions.
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just a recipe; they’re a new tradition waiting to happen. They take all the best parts of holiday stuffing and make them even more fun and accessible.
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later and share your own delicious creations in the comments below!
The Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
A festive twist on classic stuffing, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are savory, slightly sweet, and perfect for holiday dinners or parties.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, prepared stuffing, cranberries, walnuts, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape mixture into 12 evenly sized balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Notes
Serve warm as a holiday side dish or appetizer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.