Cranberry turkey stuffing balls have become my secret weapon for those holiday gatherings where I want to impress without breaking a sweat. First, I have to admit, the first time I made these, I dropped half the cranberries onto the floor (my dog still thinks it was the best day ever). Even so, the sweet-tart burst from the cranberries mixed with savory turkey makes this Recipe With Turkey a real crowd-pleaser.
Then, there’s the bonus of not wrestling with a giant bird in the oven—just scoop, roll, and bake! These little stuffing balls are perfect if you’re craving New Christmas Recipes but want something a bit quirky and bite-sized. Honestly, they’re so simple that even my kids get excited to help roll them (and sneak bites along the way).
So, if you’re searching for Different Thanksgiving Recipes, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls might just become your new tradition. Grab your apron—let’s make a mess and some memories.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me set the scene: it’s Thanksgiving morning, and my kitchen looks like a tornado of breadcrumbs and celery bits. I wanted to avoid the classic turkey stress, so I decided to try turkey and stuffing balls—with a cranberry twist. Of course, my youngest declared she’d only eat Chicken Stuffing Meatballs last year, but this time, she couldn’t resist sneaking these cranberry turkey stuffing balls right off the baking sheet.
Also, I love how baking everything on a simple tray makes clean-up a breeze. No battling with roasting bags or worrying about dry turkey—just juicy, flavorful bites. When I realized I had forgotten to buy gravy, I whipped up a quick pan sauce, and these stuffing balls with gravy were suddenly the star of the meal. My husband even said it reminded him of our first holiday dinner together (the one where I burned the rolls, but these saved the day).
What Makes It Stand Out
So, why do these cranberry turkey stuffing balls outshine the usual turkey dish? For starters, you get the best of both worlds: moist turkey, herby stuffing, and pops of cranberry in every bite. Plus, you can prep them ahead and bake when ready, which means you can actually enjoy your guests. If you want a more classic approach, check out this Classic Baked Stuffing Recipe for inspiration. Or, if you’re still tempted by the big bird, here’s How to Bake the Perfect Turkey—but honestly, these balls are less fuss and more fun.
Finally, whether you’re after cranberry stuffing, experimenting with crockpot turkey and stuffing, or just want something new, this baked method keeps things easy—and delicious. Just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dried sage | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | ½ tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Olive oil, for drizzling |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
Baking these cranberry turkey stuffing balls is so simple, and you don’t need anything fancy. First, grab a large bowl for mixing—trust me, it makes combining the ground turkey and other goodies much easier. Then, a sturdy baking sheet is your best friend, especially since the oven does all the hard work in this baked recipe.
Also, I like to line my baking sheet with parchment for quicker cleanup, but a light drizzle of olive oil is enough if you’re out. If you’re curious about making your own cranberry sauce to serve on the side, check out my Baked Cranberry Sauce from Scratch—it’s a sweet match for these stuffing balls. For more inspiration, my list of Easy Baked Side Dishes for Thanksgiving is full of ideas that pair beautifully with this turkey dish.
Since everything bakes together, you don’t need a fryer or slow cooker, and you can even prep these ahead for different Thanksgiving recipes. For tips on keeping your meal healthy and safe, I always check foodsafety.gov for the latest advice on cooking temperatures and storage. That way, every batch of chicken stuffing meatballs or stuffing balls with gravy comes out just right and worry-free.
Step-by-step method for a Baked recipe
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients for the cranberry turkey stuffing balls. Next, in a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. I always double-check that everything is mixed well so the flavors are balanced in every bite.
Step 2
Then, add the ground turkey to the bowl. I like to use my hands for mixing—it gets a bit messy, but it ensures the cranberry turkey stuffing balls have an even texture. After that, beat the eggs together with the chicken broth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the turkey blend and stir until everything is moist and sticks together easily.
Step 3
Now, take small portions and roll them gently between your palms to form balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lightly drizzled with olive oil. Also, drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for a crispy finish. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cranberry turkey stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through. Finally, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. My family always sneaks one right off the tray!
Tips and tricks to make this Baked recipe shine
First, don’t skip the olive oil drizzle—it helps the cranberry turkey stuffing balls develop a lovely crust. If you want to save time, chop the veggies and cranberries in advance. For a softer texture, don’t pack the mixture too tightly when rolling. Also, try serving them with a side of gravy for a classic touch; it’s a great way to make them stand out during New Christmas Recipes. For more advice, check out Tips for Baking Stuffing Balls. If you want to experiment, you can find variations at Baked Turkey Meatball Variations. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a fun twist on Different Thanksgiving Recipes, and even picky eaters ask for seconds!
What to serve with this Baked recipe
First, cranberry turkey stuffing balls shine when paired with classic sides. Roasted veggies like green beans or carrots add color and crunch. Next, mashed potatoes or a sweet potato casserole balance the tangy cranberry. If you love a creamy finish, serving these alongside baked stuffing classics is always a hit. Also, don’t forget a simple salad with a zesty vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. For a cozy meal, ladle some rich gravy over the balls—just like stuffing balls with gravy . Finally, these are perfect for a holiday spread or a twist on different Thanksgiving recipes .
How to store and reheat
Because these are baked, storage is a breeze. After cooling, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their shape and flavor for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, the baked crust helps them stay crisp in the oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture. If you need more tips, check out how to store and reheat baked stuffing balls. Also, freezing is an option—just thaw overnight and bake at a low temp to revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQ
Can I make these cranberry turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep and shape them a day ahead, then bake when you’re ready. This makes holiday prep so much easier.
What’s the best way to keep them moist?
Adding enough broth to your stuffing mix helps. Also, don’t overbake—check them near the end of the timer.
Can I swap turkey for chicken?
Sure thing! Chicken stuffing meatballs are just as tasty and work the same way in this recipe.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! These freeze well and reheat beautifully, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries add a sweet-tart bite. Just chop them up a bit if they’re large.
Print
cranberry turkey stuffing balls – Full recipes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: High Protein
Description
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls combine fresh cranberries and ground turkey with aromatic herbs and breadcrumbs for a flavorful baked dish. They offer a festive twist on traditional stuffing with a high protein content.
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
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the ground turkey and mix thoroughly to incorporate everything evenly.
4. Beat the eggs with the chicken broth and pour into the mixture, stirring well until fully combined.
5. Take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
6. Place the formed turkey and cranberry balls onto a baking sheet that has been lightly drizzled with olive oil, spacing them evenly.
7. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the balls and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a homemade gravy.
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Finally, making cranberry turkey stuffing balls always brings a little extra cheer to our table. Whether you’re looking for a new turkey dish or just want to try new Christmas recipes , this baked recipe fits right in. Also, it’s such a fun way to change up turkey and stuffing balls for gatherings. If you’re wondering what else to serve, don’t miss our serving suggestions for baked stuffing or read up on how to store and reheat for make-ahead ease. For even more inspiration, especially if you love the baked method, follow us on Pinterest and see our favorite Cooking Method board. Here’s to warm kitchens and happy hearts!