If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful twist on holiday leftovers, Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new obsession. These golden, savory bites bring together tender chopped turkey, tart dried cranberries, and classic stuffing in every irresistible mouthful. Whether you’re gathering with friends or need a creative snack for a cozy night in, this fun and fuss-free recipe will disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Trust me, you’ll want these on hand year-round—not just after Thanksgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component of Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls plays a starring role in delivering the perfect medley of savory, tart, and aromatic notes, with a hint of nostalgia in every bite.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, finely chopped): Perfect for using up leftovers; chop finely for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Prepared stuffing mix (3 cups, cooled): This brings comforting herbs and the heartiness you need for the balls to hold together.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Adds a vibrant pop of color and bursts of sweet-tart flavor throughout.
- Finely chopped celery (1/4 cup): Gives freshness and a gentle crispness for texture balance.
- Finely chopped onion (1/4 cup): Adds a savory aromatic punch that rounds out the stuffing mixture.
- Large eggs (2): The glue that binds everything so your stuffing balls hold their shape.
- Turkey or chicken broth (1/4 cup): Moistens the mixture and deepens those gorgeous savory flavors.
- Poultry seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Provides that classic, herbaceous holiday flavor in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to offer a mild, pleasant heat.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Helps the balls turn golden in the oven and adds a touch of richness.
How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze and your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls don’t stick—and use a rimmed sheet if you have one, just in case.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, cooled stuffing, dried cranberries, celery, onion, eggs, broth, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to use your hands; you want all the ingredients evenly incorporated so every bite’s a flavor bomb.
Step 3: Form the Stuffing Balls
Scoop about two tablespoons of mixture and gently shape it into a ball—aim for golf ball size. If you have a cookie scoop, now’s its time to shine! Place the formed balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between so they roast evenly.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the tops of each Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Ball with olive oil or melted butter. This step gives them that irresistible golden, crispy exterior. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and warmed through.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once the stuffing balls are done, let them cool for a minute or two—just enough so they’re easy to pick up. Serve them warm, piled on a platter with sides of rich turkey gravy or bright cranberry sauce for dunking.
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way, adding a burst of color and freshness on top of each stuffing ball. For an extra special finish, zest a little fresh orange over the platter—the sweet citrus aroma is heavenly alongside the cranberries.
Side Dishes
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, simple green beans, or a crisp fall salad. If you want to lean into the cozy vibes, serve them with extra gravy and a side of roasted root vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appetizer spread, skewer each ball with a toothpick and arrange them around a bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also serve them as sliders, tucking them into mini buns with gravy or a dollop of mashed potato. They look gorgeous piled high on a rustic wooden board, garnished with rosemary sprigs for a truly festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Their flavor actually gets even better after a day in the fridge as everything melds together.
Freezing
To stock up for the busy season, bake the stuffing balls fully, cool them, and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, they go straight from freezer to oven—no thawing needed!
Reheating
Warm leftover or frozen stuffing balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. An air fryer works wonders too, giving them a fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness you’ll love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or roasted chicken, swap it in for the turkey. The combination with cranberries and stuffing is just as delicious.
My mixture feels too wet or too dry—how do I fix it?
If your mixture feels too sticky, add a bit more cooled stuffing until it holds its shape. If it’s too dry, mix in an extra splash of broth or an additional egg to help bind it all together.
Are Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?
They can be, as long as your stuffing mix and broth are gluten-free. Always double-check labels to ensure every ingredient fits your needs.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! Mix and shape your stuffing balls up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, brush with butter or oil and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?
Place baked stuffing balls in a slow cooker on a warm setting or in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) until ready to serve. This keeps them perfectly moist and piping hot for your guests.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are seriously the most joyful way to refresh your holiday table or turn leftovers into a new crowd favorite. Give them a try and see how quickly they become a tradition in your own home—you’ll be hooked after the first batch!
Print
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, a perfect way to enjoy holiday leftovers or a tasty appetizer any time of year. These savory balls are packed with flavorful turkey, cranberries, and seasonings, making them a delicious addition to your table.
Ingredients
Turkey & Stuffing Balls:
- 2 cups cooked turkey (finely chopped)
- 3 cups prepared stuffing mix (cooled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Brushing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, cranberries, celery, onion, eggs, broth, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush each ball with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Great use for holiday leftovers!
- Freeze well—bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
