These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls transform traditional Thanksgiving stuffing into crispy, portable appetizers. Packed with savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs, these make-ahead holiday stuffing bites deliver incredible flavor in every golden-brown bite. Perfect for holiday parties or as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
4 cups day-old bread cubes (or gluten-free bread) 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
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toast bread cubes in the oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly dried out, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Pour sautéed vegetables over bread cubes. Add chopped turkey, cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, orange zest, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly. Pour chicken broth over the mixture gradually, tossing gently to moisten. Add beaten eggs and mix until well combined. Use a cookie scoop to portion 2-3 tablespoons per ball. Roll firmly between your palms to create compact rounds. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 22-25 minutes, turning halfway through at the 12-minute mark, until golden brown and crispy. Let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm with cranberry sauce.
Make-Ahead: Assemble completely and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 2 months. Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free bread cubes and broth. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Vegetarian Option: Omit turkey and add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms plus ½ cup chopped pecans. Pro Tip: Spray formed balls lightly with melted butter before baking for extra-crispy exteriors.
Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday stuffing bites, baked cranberry herb stuffing balls, Thanksgiving appetizer stuffing, make-ahead turkey stuffing balls, gluten-free stuffing balls, cranberry-orange stuffing truffles, savory-sweet holiday snacks
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