Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Easy Holiday Recipe

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about a holiday feast rolled into one cozy, bite-sized dish. These savory-sweet turkey stuffing bites are golden and crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, and studded with juicy cranberries, aromatic herbs, and tender ground turkey. The comforting scent of sage, thyme, and roasted onion fills the kitchen as they bake. Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving appetizer idea, a fun holiday party finger food, or a creative twist on leftover turkey stuffing recipes, these little flavor bombs deliver festive satisfaction in every bite. I first made them after Thanksgiving with leftovers — now, I make them on purpose! Give this easy, make-ahead holiday side dish a try, and don’t forget to share or save it for later.

👉 Try them once, and you’ll be rolling up these cranberry turkey stuffing balls every season.

What Makes This So Irresistible

• Sweet & Savory Harmony – Cranberries add a tart burst to the classic sage-and-thyme stuffing blend.
• Perfect for Parties – These bite-sized balls are portable, poppable, and pair perfectly with any holiday spread.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead, freeze, or reheat — they’re a hostess’s dream.
• Festive & Flavorful – All the warmth of Thanksgiving in every bite.
• Easy to Customize – Add nuts, swap herbs, or make them gluten-free with simple substitutions.
• Family-Friendly Favorite – Kids and adults both love these crispy little stuffing spheres.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s everything you need to create these cozy, crowd-pleasing bites:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey – lean or regular, both work well
• 1 cup fresh cranberries – roughly chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – plain or seasoned
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs – for binding
• ½ cup chicken broth – adds moisture
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Optional Add-Ins or Substitutions:

• Gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs.
• Low-carb? Try crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Want extra crunch? Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Prefer dried cranberries? Use ½ cup dried instead of 1 cup fresh.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the process, one savory step at a time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Stuffing Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped cranberries, cooked onion mixture, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Add Turkey and Bind the Mixture

Add ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth to the bowl. Mix with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when rolled.

Step 5: Form the Balls

Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. You should get around 24 stuffing balls.

Step 6: Arrange and Drizzle

Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help them crisp in the oven.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be at least 165°F).

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, or all by themselves!

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

1. Chop cranberries roughly so they release juice but still offer little flavor bursts.
2. Don’t overmix the turkey — it can make the texture tough.
3. For uniform cooking, use a cookie scoop to shape the balls evenly.
4. Add shredded cheese (like sharp cheddar or gouda) for a creamy twist.
5. Want crispier outsides? Broil the last 2–3 minutes.
6. Make ahead: Form balls, refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
7. Freeze extras: After baking, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven.
8. Serve with dip: A cranberry-mustard sauce or gravy pairs beautifully.
9. Too wet? Add more breadcrumbs. Too dry? Add more broth.
10. Make them mini for appetizer platters or larger for hearty mains.

Variations & Substitutions for Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Meat swap: Ground chicken or pork works just as well.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based ground and flax eggs.
• Cheesy twist: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella inside each ball.
• Spicy kick: Mix in chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
• Herb variations: Swap sage/thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning.
• Cranberry switch: Use dried cranberries or even diced apple.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Holiday Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and a cranberry glaze.
2. Main Course – Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy.
3. Potluck Hit – Great for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or New Year’s Eve.
4. Meal Prep Lunches – Pack a few with salad or roasted veggies.
5. Post-Holiday Leftovers – Use extra turkey and stuffing to create this dish.

🎉 They’re also great inside wraps, over rice, or chopped into stuffing bowls.

Nutritional Information (per 3 balls, approximate)

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Bold tip: Use lean turkey and bake instead of pan-fry for lower fat content.

Storage & Reheating Guide

• Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it softens the texture.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls FAQs

1. Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Yes. You can form the stuffing balls a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the fridge — just add 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze turkey stuffing balls after baking?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, freeze the stuffing balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.

3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in stuffing balls?

You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa as a breadcrumb alternative, depending on dietary needs.

4. Are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?

Not by default, but they can be! Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

5. What sauce goes best with turkey stuffing balls?

These stuffing balls pair perfectly with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a creamy mustard-honey dipping sauce. They’re also great on their own as a savory-sweet holiday appetizer.

Delicious Inspirations for Next Time

• Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots | Perfect Holiday Side
• Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese | 15 min Lunch Idea
• Butternut Squash Bake – Easy Holiday Side Recipe
• 30-Min Irresistible Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now that you know how to make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring the holiday spirit to your table. These festive, flavor-packed bites are sure to become a tradition — whether you’re serving them at a big holiday meal or enjoying them curled up with a cozy plate for one.

👉 Try the recipe? Share your twist in the comments, save it for later, or tag a friend who needs to make this.

Happy cooking — and happy holidays!

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