Print

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Easy Holiday Recipe

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls on rustic wooden board with rosemary garnish - holiday appetizer recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls transform traditional holiday stuffing into golden-brown, crispy appetizers. Packed with savory turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough) 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped 1 medium onion, finely diced 2 celery stalks, finely diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 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) 1/2 cup melted butter for brushing (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place cubed day-old bread in a large mixing bowl. Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the bowl with bread. Add chopped turkey, fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to combine. Pour 2 cups of broth over the mixture gradually, mixing gently. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add remaining broth if needed. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Pour beaten eggs over the mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands until everything is well combined and holds together. Form mixture into 2-inch balls (about golf ball size), packing them firmly. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Brush each ball lightly with melted butter for extra crispiness (optional). Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. Fresh bread can be dried in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Test one ball first – if it falls apart, add another egg or breadcrumbs to the mixture. Make ahead: Prepare mixture 24 hours in advance or freeze formed balls for up to 3 months. Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes for best crispiness. Variations: Add sausage, make vegetarian with mushrooms, or stuff with cheese for a surprise center.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday stuffing recipe, thanksgiving appetizers, cranberry stuffing bites, turkey stuffing balls, make ahead appetizers