Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Method: Air Fryer, Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Appetizers, Dinner, Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 190 C

Servings: 4

Best Season: Fall, Winter

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:

2 cups cooked turkey (finely chopped or shredded)
3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
½ cup dried cranberries (chopped if large)
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 black pepper to taste
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
¼ cup chicken or turkey broth (add more if mixture feels dry)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

For the Glaze (Optional):

2 tbsp cranberry sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

1
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

2
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

3
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

4
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

5
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)

6
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

7
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.

Keywords: holiday recipe, turkey appetizer, cranberry stuffing, baked side dish, Thanksgiving leftovers

Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cranberry-turkey-stuffing-balls-recipe/