Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together classic stuffing flavors with the added sweetness of cranberries, making it a unique and delicious alternative to your typical stuffing. The tender turkey and fresh herbs add depth of flavor, while the cranberries provide a lovely burst of tartness. The bite-sized balls are easy to serve and perfect for both appetizers and side dishes. Whether you’re preparing for a festive meal or want to enjoy a hearty snack, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Fresh cranberries – 1 cup
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Celery, finely chopped – 1 stalk
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Sage, dried – 1 tsp
- Thyme, dried – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Pepper – ½ tsp
- Eggs – 2 large
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Olive oil – for drizzling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cranberries, and any additional seasonings you prefer. - Add the Turkey
Mix in the ground turkey thoroughly with the stuffing mixture. - Form the Balls
Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls, approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. - Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the formed stuffing balls onto a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. - Bake
Bake the stuffing balls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. - Serve
Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Stuffing Balls: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for an extra boost of flavor.
- Vegetable-Loaded Stuffing Balls: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Mix in some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for a cheesy twist.
- Maple-Glazed Stuffing Balls: Drizzle maple syrup over the stuffing balls before baking for a touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Form the balls and bake them shortly before serving.
What can I substitute for bread in the stuffing balls?
You can use gluten-free bread or quinoa as a substitute for bread. Both will provide a different texture and flavor but still work well in this recipe.
How do I store leftover stuffing balls?
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave as needed.
Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffing balls. To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze individually. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.
What variations can I try with stuffing balls?
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, vegetables, or even add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Consider adding things like cranberries, pecans, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How can I make the stuffing balls spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, jalapeño peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Can I add more cranberries to the recipe?
Absolutely! If you love cranberries, feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste. You can even add dried cranberries for a different texture.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, these stuffing balls can be made gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, like the chicken broth, are also gluten-free.
How do I ensure the stuffing balls stay intact while baking?
Make sure the stuffing balls are tightly formed before baking. If the mixture seems too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs or an extra egg to help bind the ingredients together.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful, flavorful twist on the classic stuffing, offering the perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberries. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a side dish. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, these stuffing balls are sure to become a holiday favorite that everyone will enjoy. Try them
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive, flavorful twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory turkey with tart cranberries and aromatic herbs. Perfect for appetizers or side dishes, they’re baked to perfection for a comforting, bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 large eggs
½ cup chicken broth
Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cranberries, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Mix in the ground turkey thoroughly with the stuffing mixture.
- Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls, approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Place the formed stuffing balls onto a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.
- Bake the stuffing balls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
For a cheesy twist, mix in grated Parmesan or cheddar.
Drizzle maple syrup over the balls for a touch of sweetness before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
