There’s something magical about the combination of roasted turkey, tangy cranberries, and warm, herby stuffing — it’s the essence of comfort and celebration. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter gathering, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls capture all those nostalgic holiday flavors in one delicious, hand-held bite.
These stuffing balls are savory, slightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and tender inside. They’re easy to make, perfect for serving as appetizers, sides, or even a creative main course. Best of all, they can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor or texture, making them a host’s best friend.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from ingredients and preparation to expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions — so your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday flavors in every bite: Turkey, cranberries, and stuffing come together in a balanced blend of savory and tangy.
- Perfect for leftovers: A creative way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving.
- Crispy yet tender: Golden on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked or reheated just before serving.
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for buffets, parties, and holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Below is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to create these perfectly seasoned, flavorful stuffing balls.
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh, chopped)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed for moisture)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For optional glaze (for a glossy finish):
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s go through the full process in detail so your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come out flavorful, moist, and perfectly golden.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your cooked turkey. Shredded or diced both work, but smaller pieces help the mixture bind better. If you’re using leftover turkey from a roast, remove any skin or gristle first.
Dice the onion and celery finely so they blend seamlessly into the mixture. Dried cranberries should be roughly chopped if they’re large — you want little bursts of sweetness, not big chunks.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, thyme, and sage for that comforting holiday aroma.
This quick sauté step deepens the flavor and removes the raw edge from the vegetables, which makes the stuffing balls more flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, sautéed vegetables, and chopped cranberries.
Add the beaten egg and about ¼ cup of broth — this acts as the binder that holds everything together. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly distributed.
The texture should be soft but not soggy — just moist enough to shape into balls without crumbling. Add a little extra broth if it feels too dry.
Step 4: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Use your hands or a scoop to form evenly sized balls, about 1½–2 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a golf ball). Place them slightly apart on the baking sheet.
Tip: For a uniform look, use a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you prefer a deeper golden crust, brush them lightly with melted butter before baking.
Step 6: Optional Glaze (for Extra Flavor and Shine)
While the stuffing balls bake, mix together cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the tops of the stuffing balls. It gives them a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweet-tangy flavor that complements the savory base beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving. They firm up slightly as they rest, making them easier to handle.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- As an appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of cranberry dipping sauce or turkey gravy.
- As a side dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans for a complete holiday meal.
- As a main course: Serve three or four stuffing balls per person with a hearty side salad or roasted squash.
- In a sandwich: Tuck a few stuffing balls into a toasted roll with leftover gravy and cranberry sauce — a holiday sandwich dream.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to make these your own? Try these creative twists:
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chopped roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
- Add sausage: Mix in cooked crumbled sausage for an extra-rich, savory flavor.
- Use cornbread stuffing: Swap traditional bread stuffing for cornbread stuffing for a sweeter, Southern-inspired flavor.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty aroma.
- Use fresh cranberries: For a sharper, tart flavor, substitute dried cranberries with finely chopped fresh ones.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Make-Ahead:
You can prepare the mixture up to one day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and shape and bake it just before serving.
To Freeze (Unbaked):
Shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
To Store (Baked):
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the stuffing balls dense. Mix just enough to combine.
- Keep moisture balanced: Add broth gradually — too little makes them crumbly, too much makes them mushy.
- Uniform size matters: Evenly sized balls ensure even cooking.
- Bake on parchment: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- Add glaze near the end: Brushing the glaze too early can cause burning due to the sugar content.
Pairing Ideas
Pair your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Turkey gravy or cranberry sauce dip
- Sparkling apple cider or a glass of white wine
Why These Are Perfect for the Holidays
Beyond their flavor, these stuffing balls symbolize what the holidays are all about — warmth, sharing, and comfort. They combine the best of the season’s ingredients in a form that’s easy to serve, transport, and enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large gathering, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls will add a festive and memorable touch to your table.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare. With their blend of savory turkey, herby stuffing, and tart cranberries, they’re the perfect mix of nostalgia and creativity. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even the main attraction — either way, they’re guaranteed to impress.
These little golden bites remind us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — just made with care, love, and the flavors that bring people together.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring all the comforting flavors of the holidays into one bite-sized delight. Made with tender turkey, herbed stuffing, and bursts of sweet-tart cranberries, these golden baked bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner, this recipe transforms leftovers into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple, flavorful, and festive.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Mixture:
For the Glaze (Optional):
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the cooked turkey and ensure it’s evenly shredded. Dice the onion and celery finely, and roughly chop the dried cranberries if they are large. These small, uniform cuts help the mixture hold together and bake evenly.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, and sage. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the Stuffing Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, sautéed vegetables, and chopped cranberries. Add the beaten egg and gradually pour in the broth until the mixture becomes moist but not soggy. It should hold together easily when pressed into a ball. Add salt, pepper, and parsley for freshness.
Shape the Balls
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly on the prepared tray, leaving space between each one for even baking.
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. For extra crispiness, lightly brush them with melted butter before baking.
Add the Glaze (Optional)
- If you’d like a glossy, flavorful finish, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Brush this glaze over the stuffing balls during the last 5 minutes of baking. The glaze will caramelize slightly, giving a beautiful shine and sweet-savory balance.
Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Note
Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to shape and bake.
Freezing: Shape the stuffing balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen for 30–35 minutes.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Flavor Variation: Add a small amount of cooked sausage for a richer flavor, or use cornbread stuffing for a sweeter Southern touch.
Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.
