Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

ByCole Matthews
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
SPREAD LOVE

why make this recipe

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. They are not only packed with flavor but are also a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side. The sweetness of cranberries complements the savory turkey, making each bite a delicious experience. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a great choice for gatherings or family dinners.

how to make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for baking)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, cranberries, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix until well combined.
  4. Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.

how to serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are great for any occasion. You can serve them warm right out of the oven. Pair them with a dipping sauce like cranberry sauce or a creamy ranch for extra flavor. They also make a lovely side dish with holiday meals or a cozy family dinner.

how to store Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you have leftovers, you can store the stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

tips to make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

  • Make sure to finely chop the onion and garlic for even cooking and to avoid large chunks in the stuffing balls.
  • For extra flavor, you can add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
  • If you like a crispy texture, broil the stuffing balls for a couple of minutes after baking.

variation

You can try using different types of meat, such as ground chicken or pork, for a different flavor. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will give a nice crunch, and replacing cranberries with chopped apples can add a sweet twist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind that they will provide more tartness. You might want to adjust the seasoning or add a little sugar to balance the flavors.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the stuffing balls are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can check by cutting one in half; the center should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Poultry
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on traditional stuffing, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are flavorful and versatile, perfect for appetizers or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups bread crumbs
  • 1 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, cranberries, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, egg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix until well combined.
  4. Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding paprika or cayenne pepper. Broil the balls for a few minutes after baking for a crispy texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffing balls, cranberry, turkey, appetizer, holiday recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hey there I’m Cole Matthews, 44 years old, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently calling Austin, Texas home. I’ve been cooking professionally for over two decades, but honestly, I still get that same giddy feeling every time I hear a pan sizzle or the soft pop of a freshly opened jar of pickles. Food has always had that kind of magic for me equal parts comfort and chaos.

My journey into the kitchen wasn’t a straight line. I didn’t grow up dreaming of Michelin stars. I actually wanted to be a drummer. I spent most of my twenties bouncing between dive bars and food service gigs, chasing music at night and flipping burgers by day. Somewhere in between, I fell in love with the rhythm of a dinner rush, the challenge of building flavors, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing someone close their eyes on the first bite.

One night, I was on the grill at this greasy spoon off Route 66 when a customer left a handwritten note: “Best damn patty melt I’ve ever had.” I taped it to the wall and realized this could be it. This could be my stage.

Since then, I’ve run kitchens in Denver, New Orleans, and now Austin, where I co-own a neighborhood joint that specializes in wood-fired everything vegetables, brisket, even peach cobbler. My style’s deeply rooted in Americana, but I like to mess with tradition: a little Vietnamese fish sauce in a pot of collards, smoked jalapeños in the aioli, maple in my kimchi brine. I cook with a lot of instinct, a little science, and absolutely no patience for ego.

Cooking’s taught me more than how to make a perfect roux. It’s taught me to listen, to fail with grace, and to show up every single day. That’s what I try to pass on, especially to home cooks. You don’t need fancy gear or ten knives. You need a sense of play, the courage to mess up, and maybe a cold beer within reach.

I believe food is a language, and my goal is always the same: to say something worth remembering with every plate. Thanks for being here. Let’s make something that sticks with you.

MORE RECIPES

Spooky Halloween snacks for a festive party

Halloween Party Snacks

ByDeShawn Ellis
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEWhy make this recipe These spooky snacks are perfect for your Halloween party. They are easy to make and will impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or salty, this recipe has it all. These snacks will add a fun touch to your celebration, making them great conversation starters. How to make…

Cheesy garlic chicken wraps on a wooden board with fresh ingredients

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEWhy Make This Recipe Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are not just simple to prepare; they are also delicious and satisfying. Packed with flavor from the garlic and spices, these wraps make for a quick meal or a tasty snack. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a small gathering, or just looking for a convenient…