🎉 Introduction
The holidays are all about gathering around good food — dishes that feel comforting, nostalgic, and full of festive flavor. And nothing says holiday cheer quite like these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls!
They’re the perfect bite-sized appetizer or side dish — tender, juicy ground turkey mixed with savory herbs, golden breadcrumbs, and sweet-tart cranberries. Each ball captures all the classic flavors of a holiday feast — turkey, stuffing, and cranberries — all rolled into one delicious, portable, make-ahead treat.
These little bites are not only bursting with taste but also add a touch of elegance to your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy Christmas party, or just want a fun and flavorful weeknight meal, these stuffing balls will become a festive favorite in no time. 🎄✨
🧰 Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this holiday-perfect recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls:
🍗 Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or regular)
🧅 Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
🥚 Fresh Ingredients
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
🥫 Canned Goods
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
🍞 Bread & Baked Goods
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🫒 Oils & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
👩🍳 Directions
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are simple to make and can be baked or pan-fried — both methods deliver incredible results!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, cranberries, parsley, sage, and thyme.
- Add the eggs and chicken broth to help bind the mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix — this keeps the stuffing balls tender and juicy!
Step 4: Shape the Balls
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls.
- Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake or Pan-Fry
For Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).
For Pan-Frying:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet and cook in batches for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked inside.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls on a festive platter, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce — like cranberry sauce or creamy gravy! 🍗✨
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 18–20 stuffing balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Perfect for holiday appetizers, buffets, or as a creative side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Freeze cooked stuffing balls on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
- Add a drizzle of broth before reheating to keep them moist.
🥄 Variations
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile — here are some delicious ways to change them up:
- Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mix for extra richness.
- Apple & Cranberry Blend: Mix in ½ cup finely diced apple for a sweet-tart flavor combo.
- Herb Lovers’ Mix: Add rosemary or Italian seasoning for more herbal depth.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
- Nutty Flavor Boost: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for gentle heat.
- Mini Party Bites: Make smaller 1-inch versions for bite-sized appetizers — perfect for entertaining.
- Vegan Option: Substitute with plant-based ground and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes — ground chicken works perfectly and gives a similar light, tender texture.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries?
You can, but dried cranberries add a balanced sweetness and chewy texture.
3. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What can I serve them with?
They’re delicious with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or creamy honey mustard.
5. Can I bake them in a muffin tin?
Absolutely — it helps them hold shape and creates crispy edges.
6. Can I make these into patties instead?
Yes! Flatten them slightly and pan-fry to make festive turkey patties.
7. How do I make them extra moist?
Add a splash more broth or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
8. Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground?
Yes — chop finely and mix with the same ingredients, though the texture will be more crumbly.
9. What herbs work best for that “stuffing” flavor?
Sage, thyme, and parsley are classic — they give the perfect holiday aroma.
10. Can I freeze them raw?
Yes! Shape them, freeze on a tray, and bake from frozen — just add 5 minutes to the baking time.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your table. They’re everything you love about a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas meal — savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs — all rolled into one delicious bite.
Golden and crisp on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, these festive stuffing balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a starter, side dish, or part of your holiday buffet, they’re elegant, comforting, and easy to make ahead — the trifecta of stress-free entertaining!
Each bite captures the essence of the holidays — warm, herby, and full of cozy flavor. They’ll quickly become a family tradition, requested year after year.
So preheat your oven, roll up those sleeves, and let your kitchen fill with the delicious aromas of the season — because these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect holiday appetizer to kick off your feast!
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer!
Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are simple to make and can be baked or pan-fried — both methods deliver incredible results!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, cranberries, parsley, sage, and thyme.
- Add the eggs and chicken broth to help bind the mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overmix — this keeps the stuffing balls tender and juicy!
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls.
- Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- For Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).
- For Pan-Frying:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet and cook in batches for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked inside.
- Arrange your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls on a festive platter, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce — like cranberry sauce or creamy gravy! 🍗✨
Notes
Yes — ground chicken works perfectly and gives a similar light, tender texture. 2. Can I use fresh cranberries?
You can, but dried cranberries add a balanced sweetness and chewy texture. 3. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. 4. What can I serve them with?
They’re delicious with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or creamy honey mustard. 5. Can I bake them in a muffin tin?
Absolutely — it helps them hold shape and creates crispy edges. 6. Can I make these into patties instead?
Yes! Flatten them slightly and pan-fry to make festive turkey patties. 7. How do I make them extra moist?
Add a splash more broth or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. 8. Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground?
Yes — chop finely and mix with the same ingredients, though the texture will be more crumbly. 9. What herbs work best for that “stuffing” flavor?
Sage, thyme, and parsley are classic — they give the perfect holiday aroma. 10. Can I freeze them raw?
Yes! Shape them, freeze on a tray, and bake from frozen — just add 5 minutes to the baking time. 🏁 Conclusion These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your table. They’re everything you love about a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas meal — savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs — all rolled into one delicious bite. Golden and crisp on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, these festive stuffing balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a starter, side dish, or part of your holiday buffet, they’re elegant, comforting, and easy to make ahead — the trifecta of stress-free entertaining! Each bite captures the essence of the holidays — warm, herby, and full of cozy flavor. They’ll quickly become a family tradition, requested year after year. So preheat your oven, roll up those sleeves, and let your kitchen fill with the delicious aromas of the season — because these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect holiday appetizer to kick off your feast!
