Savor the Perfect Combination of Sweet, Savory, and Comforting Flavors
When the holiday season rolls around, we often find ourselves surrounded by incredible aromas and flavors that bring warmth, family, and comfort to the table. One of the most cherished combinations from holiday meals is turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. With this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe, you can enjoy all of those classic flavors in one delicious bite-sized treat.
These tasty balls are perfect for making the most of Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers, but they’re also so good you’ll want to make them from scratch year-round. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, hosting a festive party, or looking for the ultimate appetizer, these flavorful stuffing balls are an easy win for everyone.
What Are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are compact, baked savory bites made with shredded or chopped cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, herbs, eggs, and cheese. Shaped into balls and baked until golden, they combine the tender juiciness of turkey, the warmth of stuffing spices, and the tart sweetness of cranberries into one irresistible dish. They're typically served warm, often with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, or mustard aioli.
These stuffing balls make an ideal snack or appetizer and are also a fantastic option for holiday-themed lunches or potluck dishes. They are easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: No complicated steps. Mix, shape, and bake.
- Versatile: Great for using up leftovers or starting fresh.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines sweet, salty, and savory in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and reheating later.
- Portable: Ideal for parties, potlucks, and lunchboxes.
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
To make these flavorful stuffing balls, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup turkey or chicken gravy
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for brushing
Optional for Dipping:
- Extra gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Honey mustard or garlic aioli
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your prepared stuffing, chopped turkey, cranberries, shredded cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add the eggs and gravy, and mix everything until fully combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
If it’s too dry, add a bit more gravy. If it’s too wet, stir in some breadcrumbs or extra stuffing.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the tops with melted butter or spray them with olive oil. This helps achieve a golden brown crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the balls are firm and golden on the outside.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like turkey gravy or cranberry mustard.
Flavor Variations to Try
These stuffing balls are delicious as they are, but if you want to customize them, here are a few ideas:
Cheese-Stuffed Balls
Add a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the center of each ball for a melty surprise.
Add Some Heat
Stir in chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give them a spicy kick.
Fresh Cranberries
Use fresh cranberries instead of dried for a burst of tartness, but cook them down first to reduce bitterness.
Vegan or Vegetarian Version
Replace turkey with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms. Use egg replacer and vegan stuffing and gravy.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While leftovers are great, fresh stuffing and turkey will help the balls bind better.
- Let Mixture Rest: Letting the mixture sit for 10 minutes helps the stuffing absorb moisture evenly.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye after 20 minutes to avoid drying them out.
- Make Uniform Balls: Evenly sized balls cook more consistently.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These stuffing balls are great for meal prep. Here’s how to store them:
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.
Freezer:
Flash-freeze uncooked or cooked balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to freezer-safe bags and keep for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve with a creamy mashed potato side and roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Make them part of a holiday platter with cranberry sauce and green beans.
- Use them in a slider bun for a festive sandwich with leftover gravy and greens.
- Serve as a brunch item with poached eggs and hollandaise.
Perfect for the Holidays and Beyond
While these stuffing balls are a clear winner for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they’re not just for the holidays. Here are a few other occasions they shine:
- Super Bowl Parties: A hearty and flavorful game day snack.
- Family Gatherings: Appealing to both kids and adults.
- Potlucks or Buffet Tables: Easy to grab and no mess.
- Lunchbox Treats: Reheat and pack with a dipping sauce.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to make this dish a little lighter?
- Use whole wheat stuffing or cauliflower stuffing.
- Swap cheese with low-fat alternatives or skip it.
- Use lean ground turkey instead of chopped roasted turkey.
- Bake with minimal oil and serve with low-sodium gravy.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be made a day or two ahead. Simply shape the balls and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also freeze them unbaked and pop them straight in the oven when needed. This makes holiday hosting smoother and stress-free.
The Final Word
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer everything we love about holiday food—warm spices, savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and sweet cranberries—all in one satisfying bite. They are easy to prepare, simple to store, and always a hit with guests.