If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, you’ve found it! These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of savory herbs and sweet cranberries. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You’ll find that these little balls of goodness are not only easy to whip up but also add a delightful twist to any festive meal!

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply wanting to spice up dinner, these stuffing balls will impress everyone at the table. They embody the spirit of comfort food while being light and healthy, making them the ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can have these delicious stuffing balls ready in about 40 minutes, making them a fantastic choice for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of turkey and cranberries is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Versatile Delight: These stuffing balls work wonderfully as a side dish or a hearty snack during gatherings.
Packed with Goodness: With wholesome ingredients like ground turkey and dried cranberries, you can feel great about serving these to your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is simple! You’ll find that these are wholesome items you likely already have on hand. Let’s get started!

For the Stuffing Balls:

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have at home. Here are some fun ideas:

Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.
Add some crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for an extra texture boost.
Herb it up: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if you’re feeling adventurous!
Go cheesy: Incorporate some shredded cheese into the mix for an indulgent twist.

How to Make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because having your oven ready ensures that your stuffing balls cook evenly and develop that lovely golden brown color we all adore.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients together well is essential; it helps distribute flavors throughout each stuffing ball.

Step 3: Add Liquid Gold

Next, mix in the chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley until everything is well combined. The chicken broth adds moisture while keeping the mixture from becoming too dry. Plus, those fresh herbs bring brightness to every bite!

Step 4: Shape into Balls

Now comes the fun part! Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?

Step 5: Bake Them Perfectly

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them! The delightful aroma will surely let you know when they’re ready.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot as a side dish or as part of your festive meal. These little gems are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can also make great leftovers—if there are any left! Enjoy every bite and share with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making these stuffing balls should be a fun and stress-free experience! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality turkey make a noticeable difference in flavor. They enhance the overall taste, making your stuffing balls truly stand out.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the balls helps them hold their shape during baking. This prevents any unwanted breakage and ensures even cooking.
Uniform Size: Aim to make your stuffing balls the same size for even cooking. This way, they’ll bake uniformly, ensuring that every bite is deliciously golden and cooked through.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or swap in different herbs. Experimenting with flavors like rosemary or oregano can give your stuffing balls a unique twist that suits your palate.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if they are fully cooked; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your turkey is safe to eat while keeping it juicy.

How to Serve Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These delightful stuffing balls can be presented in various ways to impress your guests. Whether as a side dish or part of a festive platter, they are sure to be a hit!

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the fresh flavor profile of the dish.
Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce on top of each stuffing ball brings out the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the savory turkey.

Side Dishes

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes drizzled with olive oil creates a colorful, nutritious side that complements the stuffing balls well.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of cranberries.
Green Bean Almondine: This light and crunchy green bean dish topped with toasted almonds offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffing balls.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to create a festive meal that’s both delicious and visually stunning! Enjoy sharing these delightful stuffing balls with friends and family at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only a joy to eat, but they also shine when it comes to meal prep. Making them ahead of time allows you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the festive season!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

After shaping the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen stuffing balls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up while making these delightful stuffing balls.

Can I substitute ground turkey in Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart. You may want to add a bit of sweetener to balance out the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They bring together heartwarming flavors that are perfect for any gathering. Whether you serve them as a side dish or an appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking, and may your festivities be filled with joy and deliciousness!

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a dish that radiates warmth and joy, look no further than these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Bursting with the delightful combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. In about 40 minutes, you can prepare these flavorful bites that not only enhance your holiday feast but also offer a light and healthy option for your dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty snack, these stuffing balls are sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir in chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley until well mixed.
Shape the mixture into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot as a delightful addition to your meal.