Savory, hearty, and bursting with festive flavor, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a perfect way to use up leftover turkey or to serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Blending tender turkey, herbed breadcrumbs, and sweet cranberries, each bite delivers classic holiday comfort in a neat, delicious package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet satisfying these stuffing balls are. They come together quickly with pantry staples, and the combination of herbs and cranberries brings that nostalgic holiday taste. I can prep them ahead of time, freeze them, and pop them into the oven when I’m ready to serve. Whether I use leftover cooked turkey or ground turkey, the result is always juicy and flavorful. Plus, they’re easy to serve as finger food or plated with gravy and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups bread crumbs (or cubed bread, dried)
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded (or ground turkey)
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup onion, finely diced
½ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup chicken broth (or more as needed)
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley.
Then I sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
I pour in the chicken broth and the beaten egg, mixing until the mixture holds together. If it’s a bit dry, I just add more broth a tablespoon at a time.
I scoop out about 2 tablespoons per ball, shaping them with my hands and placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
These bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through.
I like to serve them warm, either plain, with gravy, or an extra spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12–16 stuffing balls, depending on the size. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serving Size: 1 ball Calories per serving: ≈ 80 kcal
Variations
I sometimes swap turkey for cooked chicken or ground meat if I don’t have turkey on hand.
To make it vegetarian, I use cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms in place of turkey and switch to vegetable broth.
For a festive twist, I’ll mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
A pinch of nutmeg or sage can deepen the holiday flavor profile.
If I want extra crunch, I’ll broil them for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
Storage/Reheating
Once cooled, I store these stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, I bake them at 350 °F (175 °C) until heated through, about 10–15 minutes from the fridge or 20–25 minutes if frozen.
FAQs
What kind of bread should I use for the bread crumbs?
I like using day-old white or whole wheat bread. It needs to be dried out so it can absorb moisture without getting mushy. Store-bought plain bread crumbs work too.
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. They also freeze beautifully, either before or after baking.
What can I serve these with?
They pair perfectly with gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of mashed potatoes. As an appetizer, I serve them with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
I prefer dried cranberries for their sweetness and chew. If I use fresh, I chop them finely and might add a touch of sugar to balance the tartness.
Why aren’t my stuffing balls holding together?
If the mixture is too dry, I add a bit more broth or another egg. Pressing the mixture firmly when shaping helps them stay intact during baking.
Conclusion
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are one of my favorite ways to celebrate the flavors of the season. They’re easy to make, adaptable to what I have on hand, and always a hit at the table—whether as an appetizer, a snack, or a festive side dish. I love how each bite delivers that comforting blend of savory herbs, juicy turkey, and sweet cranberry.
