Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Introduction

If you love the classic flavors of Thanksgiving but want something fun and bite-sized, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try. Juicy ground turkey is mixed with savory breadcrumbs, tangy cranberries, and aromatic seasonings, then baked into perfectly portioned bites that make the ultimate holiday appetizer or side dish. They’re festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a wonderful addition to any dinner table. Whether you’re planning a large holiday spread or looking for a creative weeknight meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

My recipe story

The inspiration for these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls came from my family’s Thanksgiving tradition. Every year, we’d have leftover stuffing and cranberry sauce, and instead of just reheating them, my grandmother would mix them with ground meat and roll them into savory little bites. They were always the first thing to disappear at family gatherings, often outshining the main turkey itself! I’ve refined her idea by balancing the savory turkey with tart cranberries and making them the perfect size for appetizers or easy meals. They capture the essence of the holidays but can be enjoyed any time of year.

Ingredient breakdown

The magic of these cranberry turkey stuffing balls lies in the way each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor and texture. Ground turkey is lean yet tender, providing a lighter alternative to beef or pork. It serves as the main protein while still allowing the other ingredients to shine. Because turkey can sometimes be mild, we boost its flavor with herbs, breadcrumbs, and cranberries.

Breadcrumbs play a dual role—they bind the mixture together and provide a comforting, stuffing-like texture. Cranberries add bursts of tart sweetness, balancing the savory turkey and breadcrumbs beautifully. You can use fresh, dried, or even leftover cranberry sauce depending on what you have on hand. Seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs such as thyme or sage complete the holiday-inspired flavor profile, making these stuffing balls irresistible.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for even portions)
• Oven mitts

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures that the stuffing balls cook evenly and develop a golden crust on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the base ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey and breadcrumbs. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to blend until the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed. This creates a sturdy base that holds its shape during baking while still remaining moist.

Step 3: Add cranberries and flavorings. Stir in the cranberries, minced garlic, diced onion, and any herbs you like (such as sage, thyme, or rosemary). This step infuses the mixture with layers of flavor. The cranberries will stand out with sweet-tart pops in every bite.

Step 4: Form the stuffing balls. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture, rolling each into a smooth ball about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents overcrowding.

Step 5: Bake until golden. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or drizzle with gravy for extra holiday flair. These can be served warm as an appetizer, or alongside a full dinner spread.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe based on your preferences or what you have available. Swap turkey for ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. If you prefer sweeter bites, use dried cranberries instead of fresh. For a richer flavor, add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne. For gluten-free versions, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These stuffing balls are perfect for making ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. They also freeze beautifully—simply arrange cooked stuffing balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Serving ideas & pairings

These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like honey mustard, gravy, or cranberry relish. As part of a meal, pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and green beans for a full holiday-style plate. They’re also excellent in sandwiches or wraps, drizzled with a little sauce for a quick lunch. For a wine pairing, try a light Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling that complements the sweetness of cranberries.

FAQ

Can I use leftover stuffing instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes! Leftover stuffing works wonderfully and adds even more holiday flavor. Just reduce the seasonings slightly to balance the flavors.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake the balls fresh before serving.

What type of cranberries should I use?
Fresh cranberries are best for tart bursts, but dried cranberries or even cranberry sauce can be used for a sweeter result.

Can I air fry these stuffing balls?
Yes, place them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love bite-sized foods, and the sweet-tart cranberries often appeal to younger palates. Just adjust seasonings if needed.

Final thoughts

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday appetizer, a cozy family dinner, or as a creative way to repurpose leftovers, these savory bites will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to bring a taste of the holidays to any meal. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them part of your seasonal traditions every year.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 stuffing balls
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savory turkey, breadcrumbs, and tart cranberries rolled into festive bite-sized balls. Perfect for holiday appetizers or cozy weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 2 cups breadcrumbs (or leftover stuffing)
• 1 cup cooked or dried cranberries

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh herbs of choice)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Add the beaten egg to help bind the mixture and mix gently until incorporated.

4. Scoop portions with a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush or drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These stuffing balls pair beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American