Best Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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Table of Contents

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday stuffing bites that transform traditional Thanksgiving sides into irresistible, portable appetizers. Imagine perfectly seasoned stuffing mixed with savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, all rolled into golden, crispy balls that disappear from the platter in minutes. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a unique holiday party snack, these make-ahead turkey stuffing balls deliver incredible flavor in every bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. You can prepare these baked cranberry herb stuffing balls a day ahead, freeing up precious oven space on the big day. They’re perfect as a Thanksgiving appetizer stuffing option that keeps guests satisfied while the turkey finishes roasting. Plus, with simple ingredient swaps, you can easily create gluten-free stuffing balls that everyone at your table can enjoy. These savory-sweet holiday snacks bridge the gap between traditional and innovative, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Key Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Resting time: 10 minutes
• Servings: Makes 24 stuffing balls (serves 6-8 as an appetizer)
• Estimated cost: Affordable

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 4 cups day-old bread cubes (or gluten-free bread for GF version)
• 1½ cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
• ¾ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• ½ cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1¼ cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Thyme sprigs
• Cranberry sauce for dipping

Equipment/Utensils Required

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Recipe Preparation: Detailed Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the stuffing balls from sticking and ensures even browning on all sides.
2. Prepare the bread base by spreading your bread cubes on a baking sheet if they’re not already stale. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly dried out. This step is crucial for the right texture—fresh bread will create mushy stuffing balls. Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté the aromatics by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The vegetables should be tender but not browned.
4. Combine the mixture by pouring the sautéed vegetables over the bread cubes. Add the chopped turkey, cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, orange zest, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix everything together thoroughly so the flavors distribute evenly.
5. Add the binding ingredients by pouring the chicken broth over the mixture gradually, tossing gently to moisten all the bread. The mixture should be moist but not soggy—it should hold together when pressed. Add the beaten eggs and mix until everything is well combined and cohesive.
6. Form the stuffing balls using a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the mixture. Use about 2-3 tablespoons per ball and roll firmly between your palms to create compact, round shapes. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. You should get approximately 24 balls.
7. Bake the stuffing balls for 22-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking at the 12-minute mark. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if using a meat thermometer.
8. Cool and serve by letting the cranberry-orange stuffing truffles rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This brief resting period allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm with cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

For the crispiest results: Spray or brush the formed balls lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking. This creates an extra-golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.

Make-ahead instructions: These make-ahead turkey stuffing balls can be assembled completely, placed on a baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked balls for up to 2 months—just add 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Leftover magic: This recipe is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Replace the cooked turkey with rotisserie chicken if making these before the holiday. You can even incorporate leftover mashed potatoes (use ¼ cup) for extra richness and binding power.

Vegetarian variation: Omit the turkey and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a hearty, meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.

Gluten-free adaptation: Simply substitute gluten-free bread cubes to create delicious gluten-free stuffing balls. Make sure your broth is also certified gluten-free, and the recipe works perfectly without any other modifications.

Flavor variations: Create cranberry-orange stuffing truffles with enhanced citrus flavor by doubling the orange zest and adding 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. For a savory twist, add ½ cup of crumbled cooked sausage and reduce the cranberries to ½ cup.

Serving suggestions: These holiday stuffing bites pair wonderfully with maple glazed Brussels sprouts and butternut squash salad for a complete holiday spread. They also complement pretzel chicken with mustard cheddar sauce beautifully for a festive buffet.

Storage tips: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this makes them soggy.

Dipping sauce ideas: Beyond traditional cranberry sauce, try serving these savory-sweet holiday snacks with turkey gravy, honey mustard, or even a creamy herb dip. The combination of flavors works with both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 3 Balls)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 485mg

Why These Stuffing Balls Will Become Your Holiday Tradition

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls solve one of the biggest holiday hosting challenges—how to serve impressive, flavorful appetizers without spending all day in the kitchen. Unlike traditional stuffing that requires a casserole dish and careful timing, these Thanksgiving appetizer stuffing bites are completely portable and can be eaten with your hands, making them perfect for cocktail hour or buffet-style serving.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The baked cranberry herb stuffing balls combine the comforting, familiar flavors of classic Thanksgiving stuffing with a fun, modern presentation. The cranberries provide bursts of sweetness that contrast with the savory turkey and herbs, while the orange zest adds a subtle brightness that keeps each bite interesting.

For anyone managing dietary restrictions, the ease of creating gluten-free stuffing balls without compromising texture or flavor is a game-changer. These holiday stuffing bites welcome everyone to the table, which is what the season is truly about.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu or searching for make-ahead turkey stuffing balls that simplify your holiday prep, this recipe delivers on every front. The combination of convenience, flavor, and visual appeal makes these cranberry-orange stuffing truffles the ultimate savory-sweet holiday snacks that will have guests asking for the recipe year after year.

For more holiday inspiration, check out my Texas chocolate pecan pie and pioneer woman pecan pie balls for sweet treats that complement these savory bites perfectly. And don’t miss my caramel apple cheesecake bars for another crowd-pleasing dessert option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Did you try these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience, any variations you tried, or questions you have. Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful baked cranberry herb stuffing balls on social media and tag me! For more holiday recipe inspiration and cooking tips, follow me on Pinterest where I share new ideas daily.

Looking for more festive treats? Try my cherry cheesecake puppy chow for a sweet snack, or check out my blueberry cheesecake swirl cookies and no sugar cottage cheese frozen bites for healthier options that still satisfy your cravings

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