There’s something magical about the aroma of roasted turkey, mingling with the sweet and tart notes of cranberries. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma on a chilly Thanksgiving day. Picture this: a savory stuffing ball bursting with flavor, perfectly golden on the outside but soft and moist inside. apple cinnamon cookies with glaze sweet apple maple munchkins Yes, you guessed it, I’m talking about my Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! They are the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing.
Now, let me take you back to last year’s holiday gathering when I attempted to make these for the first time. Spoiler alert: it was a culinary adventure filled with laughter, minor disasters involving flour explosions, and a questionable amount of cranberry juice spills on my kitchen floor. But in the end, those little balls of joy not only saved the day but also earned me a standing ovation from my family (or maybe it was just an excuse to avoid doing dishes). These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for any holiday feast or cozy family dinner!
Why You'll Love This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- This amazing Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: delicious pumpkin oatmeal cream pies. moist pumpkin cupcakes.
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option. It provides moisture and great flavor.
- Fresh Cranberries: Choose bright red cranberries; they add a delightful tartness that balances the savory flavors.
- Dry Bread Crumbs: These help bind everything together while adding texture. Use your favorite bread for extra flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing balls.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a robust aroma and enhances all the flavors in this dish.
- Herbs (Thyme & Sage): Fresh or dried herbs elevate the stuffing balls with earthy notes that scream comfort food.
- Eggs: Eggs serve as a binder, keeping everything together while adding richness.
For seasoning:
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your stuffing balls bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant—about five minutes should do it.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, fresh cranberries, dry bread crumbs, thyme, sage, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Form Your Balls
Using your hands (don’t be shy), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about two inches in diameter. Place them on a greased baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Away
Once your oven is preheated, pop those beauties in! Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve Up
Transfer to plates and drizzle with gravy or serve alongside cranberry sauce for that extra zing!
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just delicious; they’re also fun to make! They bring everyone together in the kitchen where laughter flows as freely as the cranberry juice (just keep it off the floor). So whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply having friends over for dinner, these little gems will surely impress everyone at your table!
You Must Know About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- This amazing Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Cooking Process
Begin by cooking your turkey until browned. While that’s happening, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Then mix in your breadcrumbs, herbs, and cranberries before combining everything into perfect balls. Finally, bake them until golden.
Add Your Touch to Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Feel free to swap the turkey for ground chicken or even a vegetarian option like lentils. Add some chopped nuts for crunch or replace cranberries with raisins for a sweeter touch. Your creativity knows no bounds!
Storing & Reheating Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay deliciously moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact while preparing your stuffing balls; dried herbs can sometimes lack that punch.
- Make sure not to overmix to keep your stuffing light and fluffy!
- Lastly, let your mixture sit for a few minutes before forming balls to enhance texture and flavor.
Personal anecdotes always add a sprinkle of joy, don’t they? I still cherish the laughter shared when my cousin mistook the seasoning jar for sugar—let’s just say our stuffing had an unexpected zing that night!
FAQs About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
What is Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are delightful appetizers or side dishes made from ground turkey, savory herbs, and a hint of sweetness from cranberries. These flavorful bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. The stuffing mixture is rolled into balls and baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining moist inside. They combine traditional stuffing flavors with the tartness of cranberries, making them a unique addition to your holiday menu. For more inspiration, check out this baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
How do you make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
To make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter. Then, combine these ingredients with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, and spices. Form the mixture into balls and bake them on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The result is deliciously juicy stuffing balls that capture the essence of Thanksgiving in each bite.
Can I prepare Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time! You can mix the ingredients and form the balls a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it easier to serve during busy holiday gatherings without compromising flavor or freshness.
What do you serve with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair beautifully with various dishes. Serve them as an appetizer alongside cranberry sauce or a yogurt dip for added flavor. They also complement roasted meats like turkey or ham, making them an excellent side dish during holiday meals. For a complete festive spread, consider adding mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to your table.
Conclusion for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an exciting twist on traditional stuffing that brings joy to any gathering. With their blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, they are sure to impress your guests. Preparing these delightful bites ahead of time adds convenience to your festive plans. Whether served as appetizers or alongside main dishes, they will undoubtedly become a favorite at your holiday table. Don’t miss out on making these tasty treats for your next celebration!
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a deliciously unique twist on traditional stuffing, perfectly blending savory ground turkey with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries. These moist, golden-brown bites are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or cozy family dinner. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, they add a festive touch to your table while delighting guests with every flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 tsp sage (fresh or dried)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, cranberries, bread crumbs, thyme, sage, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls (135g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg






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