Name: Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 4 cups dried bread cubes; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup finely chopped celery; ½ cup finely chopped onion; ½ cup chicken broth (plus more if needed); ¼ cup melted unsalted butter; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tsp dried sage; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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When it comes to the holiday season, the table is often adorned with a myriad of delightful dishes, and nothing quite captures the spirit of the festivities like our Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These savory bites are not only bursting with flavor but also embrace the essence of tradition, making them an ideal addition to any feast or gathering. Imagine the aroma of ground turkey, combined with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the earthiness of herbs wafting through your kitchen; it’s a sensory experience that evokes warmth and cheer.

The beauty of these stuffing balls lies in their simplicity and versatility. By using easily accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation techniques, you can create a dish that impresses guests and family alike without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect as a side dish, a party platter, or even a snack during holiday movie marathons, these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delicious flavor profile: A perfect blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and fragrant herbs.
Easy preparation: With just a few steps, you can make these flavorful stuffing balls at home.
Healthier alternative: Ground turkey offers a leaner option compared to traditional sausage stuffing.
Versatile serving options: Perfect as a holiday appetizer, side dish, or snack!
Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it a perfect addition to family gatherings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the stuffing balls from sticking. This small step will save you time on cleanup and help ensure even cooking.

You’ll need some basic cooking tools for this recipe—a mixing bowl for combining your ingredients, a smaller bowl for the turkey mixture, and a spoon or spatula for thorough mixing. A measuring cup and measuring spoons will also come in handy for accurate ingredient measurements. If you have a cookie scoop, this can make forming the balls easier and more uniform, but your hands will work just fine too!

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
4 cups dried bread cubes
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup chicken broth (plus more if needed)
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp dried sage
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step that ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly and become beautifully golden brown. While the oven is heating, you can focus on preparing your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This simple step will also help with easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and onion. This mixture forms the base of your stuffing balls, and each ingredient adds unique flavors and textures. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly, so every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey with the chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This turkey mixture is where all the flavors will meld together, creating a delightful savory blend. The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the balls hold their shape, while the broth adds moisture to the turkey.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Now it’s time to merge the two mixtures! Pour the turkey mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. It’s important to ensure all the bread cubes are coated with the turkey mixture. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth to achieve the right consistency for forming balls.

Step 5: Shape the Stuffing Balls

With your mixture ready, it’s shaping time! Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place the balls onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. The uniform size will help them cook at the same rate.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these festive bites warm as a side or appetizer!

Variations

Protein: You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Incorporate grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Cooking Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese to the mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
These stuffing balls can be frozen before baking for up to a month; just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce for a delightful combination of flavors.
Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a honey mustard or ranch dressing, for added tastiness.

Tips

To ensure even cooking, make sure the balls are uniform in size.
If you find the mixture too crumbly, a little more chicken broth can help bind everything together.
For a crispier texture, broil the stuffing balls for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Just cover them and store in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh on the day of your event.

What can I substitute if I don’t have dried cranberries?

Feel free to use other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or even apples for a unique twist.

How can I keep the stuffing balls moist?

Be sure not to overbake them. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F; using broth helps keep the mixture moist.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing balls?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container, and they can last in the freezer for about a month.

Conclusion

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful and wholesome addition to your holiday celebrations. Their unique combination of savory and sweet flavors makes them versatile enough for any occasion—from Thanksgiving feasts to casual gatherings. Encourage your friends and family to try their hand at these delightful bites, and perhaps share their own variations! We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!