Jolly Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe to Dazzle

Holiday meals buzz with excitement when cranberry turkey stuffing balls appear on the table.

Crispy exteriors and tender interiors promise a delightful bite that captures festive spirit.

Bursting with savory herbs and sweet cranberry notes, these appetizers bring classic flavors into a playful new form.

Guests will marvel at the clever twist on traditional stuffing.

Perfectly sized for easy nibbling, these golden-brown spheres deliver comfort and cheer in every mouthful.

Rich with sage and turkey, they connect generations through shared culinary memories.

Let you dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary gatherings into unforgettable celebrations.

Why Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Are So Tasty

• Boost Holiday Flavor: Cranberries and turkey combine to create a festive twist on traditional stuffing, delivering a burst of seasonal taste in every bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These stuffing balls are super simple to prepare, requiring minimal kitchen skills and offering maximum satisfaction for guests and family members.
• Versatile Party Companion: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a delightful side dish that complements various main courses with its rich, savory profile.
• Nutrition-Packed Appetizer: Packed with protein from ground turkey, fiber from breadcrumbs, and antioxidants from cranberries, these stuffing balls offer a balanced and nutritious option for health-conscious eaters.

What Goes Into Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Ground Turkey: Provides the primary protein and meaty texture for the stuffing balls.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a binding agent and adds structure to the stuffing mixture.

• Dried Cranberries, Dried Sage, Dried Thyme: Contribute a festive and aromatic blend of sweet and herbal flavors to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Offer depth and savory undertones to the overall taste profile.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright herb note to the stuffing balls.

• Chicken Broth, Eggs: Help to moisten the mixture and bind the ingredients together for a cohesive texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the stuffing balls.

Stepwise Guide to Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will create the perfect cooking environment for your delightful stuffing balls.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Blend

• Ground turkey
• Dried cranberries
• Breadcrumbs
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Dried sage
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until the ingredients dance together beautifully.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Magic

• Chicken broth
• Beaten eggs
• Chopped parsley

Stir thoroughly to ensure a harmonious blend that will keep your stuffing balls moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Shape the Culinary Gems

Roll the mixture into perfectly round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each ball enough space to become golden and delicious.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the stuffing balls roast for 25-30 minutes. They’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked completely through.

Step 6: Celebrate and Serve

Transfer the sizzling stuffing balls to a serving platter. These little flavor bombs are ready to steal the show at your festive meal. Bon appétit!

Expert Tips for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Boost moisture by adding extra chicken broth if the mixture feels too dry, ensuring tender and juicy stuffing balls.
• Prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, perfect for meal prepping or holiday planning.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor profile and match your personal taste preferences.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent stuffing balls from sticking, making the cooking process smoother.

Different Flavors to Try with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Herb Garden Mix: Replace sage and thyme with fresh rosemary, oregano, and basil for a vibrant herb-packed version.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired stuffing ball.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, and swap cranberries for roasted corn kernels for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, keeping all other seasonings identical for a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Perfect Pairings for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Sip a Crisp White Wine: Opt for a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the herbal notes and cut through the richness of the turkey stuffing balls.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside honey-glazed carrots or rosemary-roasted brussels sprouts to add color and balance the savory flavor profile.
• Create a Tangy Cranberry Sauce: Whip up a quick homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest to echo the dried cranberries in the stuffing and enhance the festive feel.

Proper Storage for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual stuffing balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place stuffing balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions on Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute with the same delicious flavor profile.

• Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Not in their current form. To make them gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

• How can I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

Ensure you mix the ingredients thoroughly and compact the balls firmly when shaping. The eggs and chicken broth help bind the mixture together.

• Can I prepare these stuffing balls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the balls ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry turkey stuffing balls bring holiday cheer with a delightful twist on classic stuffing. Crispy golden exteriors and tender, herb-infused centers make these bite-sized morsels perfect for you to savor and share during seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Dried Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 grams) dried cranberries
• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend ground turkey with dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Incorporate chicken broth, beaten eggs, and freshly chopped parsley, ensuring all ingredients are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Gently form consistent-sized spherical portions using clean hands, pressing ingredients together to maintain compact shape.
4. Arrange stuffing spheres on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote uniform cooking.
5. Position prepared tray in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing stuffing balls to roast for approximately 25-30 minutes.
6. Monitor coloration and internal temperature, confirming golden-brown exterior and completely cooked interior.
7. Remove from oven and let rest momentarily to stabilize structural integrity.
8. Transfer to serving platter, presenting these aromatic, festive turkey stuffing spheres as a delectable accompaniment to main course.

Notes

• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep stuffing balls moist by not over-mixing ingredients and using fresh, high-quality chicken broth for enhanced flavor depth.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped vegetables like celery or carrots for extra texture and health benefits.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked stuffing balls for convenient meal preparation, storing in airtight containers for up to one month.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 237 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg