Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Golden, savory, and packed with festive flavor, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect bite-sized twist on classic holiday stuffing. These hearty little bundles combine seasoned ground turkey, traditional stuffing mix, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs all baked to a crispy perfection. Finished with a warm drizzle of gravy, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prep for cozy dinners.

Imagine everything you love about Thanksgiving stuffing and turkey—tender meat, herbs, cranberries, and the richness of gravy—rolled into a perfectly portioned, hand-held form. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, these stuffing balls will steal the spotlight at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

• A fun and portable spin on classic stuffing
• Packed with sweet, savory, and herby flavors in each bite
• Great for holidays, parties, or meal prep
• Easy to freeze and reheat
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, the process is delightfully simple, especially with the right kitchen tools. First, a large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly. You’ll also need a muffin tin or a baking sheet—a muffin tin helps maintain shape and ensures even cooking. A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop will help portion out the stuffing mixture evenly, keeping the sizes consistent for even baking. Lastly, parchment paper or nonstick spray will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Each tool plays a critical role in either preparation or ensuring the final result is golden on the outside and moist on the inside.

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Preparation Tips

Use pre-cooked stuffing mix or day-old bread for better texture—fresh bread can make the mixture too soggy. When mixing, don’t overwork the turkey to keep the balls tender. Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes before scooping if it’s too soft or sticky. If you like crispy edges, bake the balls on a sheet pan instead of a muffin tin. And don’t forget to baste or brush with a little melted butter or olive oil before baking for that golden-brown finish.

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Ingredients for This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
• 2 cups prepared stuffing (store-bought or homemade, cooled)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds richness)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (plus more if mixture feels dry)
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Gravy, for serving (optional but recommended)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This ensures your stuffing balls don’t stick and brown nicely on the outside.

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Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing, cranberries, chopped celery, onion, Parmesan (if using), and all the seasonings: sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. You want the mixture to hold together but still be light and airy.

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Step 3: Add the Binders

Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth. Stir gently to incorporate. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of broth at a time until it becomes moist but still shapeable. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb excess moisture.

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Step 4: Form the Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Place them into the muffin tin or arrange them on the baking sheet with some space between each.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). For extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes but watch closely.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before removing from the tin or tray. Drizzle with warm gravy and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm as a side, appetizer, or main dish.

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Notes

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are highly versatile. You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even leftover shredded turkey from a holiday feast. For extra richness, a touch of melted butter mixed into the stuffing adds a luxurious flavor. If you’re short on time, use boxed stuffing mix—just make sure it’s not overly wet, or the balls may fall apart. These also freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or post-holiday meals.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the meat: This can result in tough, dense stuffing balls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the moisture balance: Too dry and they’ll crumble; too wet and they won’t hold shape. Adjust with broth as needed.
• Not using a scoop or scale: Uneven sizes mean uneven cooking. Aim for uniform portions.
• Overbaking: These cook fast—check doneness at the 20-minute mark to avoid drying them out.
• Serving them cold: These taste best warm with a drizzle of gravy; reheat gently if making ahead.

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Storage Instructions

Let the stuffing balls cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, arrange on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes from chilled, 20 minutes from frozen). For best texture, avoid microwaving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per stuffing ball, makes approx. 12)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover stuffing works perfectly. Just make sure it’s not too moist so the balls hold their shape.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can fully cook and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

Ground chicken or pork works well. You can also use chopped leftover cooked turkey.

Do I need to cook the celery and onion first?

Not necessary—they’ll soften while baking. But sautéing them first adds extra flavor if you have time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free stuffing or bread and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is moist but firm and include the egg as a binder. Chilling before baking also helps.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a great texture and nutty flavor.

What’s the best sauce to serve with them?

Gravy is traditional, but a cranberry sauce glaze or honey mustard dip works beautifully too.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect comfort food with a festive twist. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for any occasion—from Thanksgiving dinner to weekday meals. Whether you’re making them fresh or using up leftovers, this dish brings joy to the table in every bite.

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