Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Easy Holiday Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Picture this: golden-brown spheres of savory stuffing studded with jewel-toned cranberries, each bite delivering the perfect balance of herbs, turkey, and tart sweetness. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls transform traditional holiday stuffing into a portable, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears from platters faster than you can say “pass the gravy.” Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or attending a festive potluck, this recipe solves the age-old problem of how to make stuffing exciting again while keeping all those beloved flavors intact.

This holiday stuffing recipe isn’t just another side dish—it’s a conversation starter that combines convenience with comfort food nostalgia. These cranberry stuffing bites require minimal hands-on time, use simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, and can be prepared ahead of time. The turkey stuffing balls crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful textural contrast between the crunchy exterior and the moist, flavorful center. Plus, they’re perfect for guests who want to sample everything without committing to a full plate of traditional stuffing.

Key Recipe Information

Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes 24-28 balls (8-10 servings)
Estimated Cost: Affordable

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably white or sourdough)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For Coating (Optional):

• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil for brushing

Equipment and Utensils Required

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet or sauté pan
• Baking sheet (2 sheets if possible)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for beaten eggs
• Pastry brush (if using butter coating)
• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (optional, for uniform sizing)

Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Start by placing your cubed day-old bread in a large mixing bowl. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until slightly dried out. Day-old bread absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy, which is crucial for stuffing balls that hold their shape. Set the bread aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted and foaming, add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This sautéing step is essential as it develops deep flavor and ensures the vegetables are tender in the final product.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread cubes. Add the chopped cooked turkey, fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Add Moisture

Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the bread mixture gradually, starting with 2 cups and mixing gently with your hands or a wooden spoon. The bread should be moistened but not soggy—you want it to hold together when squeezed but not be dripping wet. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of broth if needed. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Bind with Eggs

Pour the beaten eggs over the moistened bread mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands. The eggs act as a binder that will help the stuffing balls maintain their shape during baking. The mixture should now hold together easily when formed into balls. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two more broth; if too wet, add some breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Form the Stuffing Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a golf ball). Pack them firmly so they hold together well. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even browning.

Step 7: Add Optional Coating

If you want extra-crispy exteriors, brush each stuffing ball lightly with melted butter or olive oil using a pastry brush. This step creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender interior.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The turkey stuffing balls are done when they’re golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The bottoms should be crispy, and the tops should have a beautiful color.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cranberry stuffing bites rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or gravy on the side.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Tips for Success:

• Use day-old bread: Fresh bread becomes too mushy when mixed with liquid. If you only have fresh bread, dry it out in a low oven first.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overworking the mixture can make the balls dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Test the consistency: Before forming all the balls, make one test ball and bake it for 10 minutes. If it falls apart, add another egg or some breadcrumbs to the mixture.
• Uniform sizing matters: Using a cookie scoop ensures all balls are the same size, which means they’ll cook evenly and be done at the same time.

Delicious Variations:

Sausage Addition: Replace 1 cup of turkey with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage for a richer, more savory flavor profile. This works especially well if you prefer a heartier Thanksgiving appetizer.

Vegetarian Version: Omit the turkey entirely and add 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a meat-free option that’s still packed with umami flavor.

Apple Cranberry: Add 1 cup of finely diced Granny Smith apples along with the cranberries for a sweet-tart twist that complements the savory herbs beautifully.

Cheese-Stuffed: Create a surprise center by pressing a cube of cream cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar into the middle of each ball before baking.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure your broth is gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Side Dish Suggestions:

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with classic holiday dishes. Serve them alongside cranberry orange glazed turkey for a cohesive cranberry theme, or offer them as an appetizer before the main course. They’re also excellent with glazed carrots and a rich gravy for dipping. For a lighter option, serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

If you’re planning a full holiday spread, consider pairing these with turkey cranberry sliders for a turkey-themed feast that offers variety in presentation. The stuffing balls also work beautifully as part of a soup and appetizer combo—try serving them with cheddar garlic herb potato soup or Thai chicken soup for a cozy autumn meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions:

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Freezing: These holiday stuffing recipe balls freeze exceptionally well. Arrange unbaked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the entire mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Form into balls and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

Reheating Tips: For the crispiest results when reheating, use the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. The microwave will make them soft rather than maintaining that desirable crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions:

Present these cranberry stuffing bites on a rustic wooden board or festive platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Provide small cocktail picks for easy grabbing, and set out small bowls of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or herb aioli for dipping. These are perfect for Pinterest boards—find more holiday inspiration at HanaEats Pinterest.

For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside other crowd-pleasers like tzatziki chicken pizza cut into small squares, or offer a soup station with Mexican noodle soup in shot glasses for a creative twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 3 balls)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls represent everything we love about holiday cooking—they’re comforting, flavorful, and bring people together around the table. This holiday stuffing recipe transforms traditional side dish into a fun, shareable appetizer that’s perfect for any festive gathering. The combination of savory herbs, tender turkey, and tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite.

Whether you’re serving them as Thanksgiving appetizers at your holiday party, bringing them to a potluck, or simply looking for creative ways to use leftover turkey, these turkey stuffing balls deliver on taste, convenience, and presentation. The crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior make them irresistible, and the make-ahead friendly nature means less stress on the big day.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls turned out! Leave a comment below sharing your experience, any variations you tried, or questions you have. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share photos of your creation on social media—tag us so we can see your beautiful holiday creations! For more festive recipes and cooking inspiration, visit our Pinterest page where we share seasonal favorites and creative cooking ideas year-round.

If you loved this recipe, check out our other turkey and holiday dishes like cranberry orange glazed turkey and salsa verde chicken and rice skillet for more meal inspiration. Happy cooking, and here’s to making this holiday season deliciously memorable!

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