Cranberry turkey stuffing balls have a way of sneaking their way onto my table every holiday, whether I plan for it or not. The first time I tried to make these, I accidentally dropped half the cranberries on the floor—and my dog considered it his lucky day. Still, the smell of sage and thyme swirling through the kitchen makes the chaos so worth it.
Also, I love how these cranberry turkey stuffing balls bring together all my favorite flavors in one tidy bite. You get that comforting, classic stuffing flavor, but with a juicy twist from the turkey and little pops of tart cranberry. So, if you’re after a dish that feels like a holiday hug, you’re in the right place. Don’t worry if your hands get messy—half the fun is in the squish!
My Kitchen Story
First, let me confess: my kitchen looked like a cranberry massacre the first time I made these cranberry turkey stuffing balls. I was trying to juggle chopping onions, wrangling fresh cranberries, and answering a million “what’s for dinner?” questions from my kids. However, once I tossed everything into a big bowl, I realized how forgiving this recipe is—honestly, it’s almost impossible to mess up. Baked recipes like these are my saving grace when I want something homemade but don’t want to hover over a stovetop all night.
Also, I stumbled across the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Baked Recipes page for some inspiration and realized just how many ways you can riff on this idea. If you’re looking for another cozy dinner, check out the Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Recipe Easy And Delicious—because we all need backup plans for hectic nights.
What Makes It Stand Out
Then, what really sets these cranberry turkey stuffing balls apart is the way the oven works its magic. Baking keeps them juicy, lets the flavors mingle, and gives a golden edge without any frying fuss. Also, you can make them for a Recipe With Turkey twist, or serve as New Christmas Recipes that’ll wow your family. Even if you’re searching for Different Thanksgiving Recipes, these stuffing balls are a quirky, crowd-pleasing option. Finally, the combination of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry is just unbeatable—every bite tastes like a holiday memory with a little kitchen chaos thrown in for good measure.
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 |
| 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 |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, when you make cranberry turkey stuffing balls, you’ll want a solid baking sheet and a trusty mixing bowl. Since this recipe is baked, I always grab a nonstick pan and line it with parchment for easy cleanup. Also, a little olive oil drizzled before baking keeps the balls from drying out and helps them crisp up just right.
If you’re trying new Christmas recipes, or just searching for a fun twist on different Thanksgiving recipes, this method makes things simple. Baking lets you skip constant oil splatters, so it’s less hands-on than pan-frying. For those who love recipe with turkey, it’s a lighter option than traditional fried dishes like chicken piccata meatballs. Plus, you can prep and bake a big batch at once, which is perfect for family gatherings.
Then, if you’re planning to serve stuffing balls with gravy or want to mix up your classic turkey dish, these cranberry stuffing balls are a crowd-pleaser. I sometimes swap breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, and chicken broth for veggie broth if needed. For safety tips on handling poultry and prepping ahead, I always trust the advice from foodsafety.gov. Finally, if you’d like to see another baked version, I shared my favorite cranberry turkey stuffing balls baked recipe for more inspiration.
Whether you’re after turkey and stuffing balls for a holiday party or just something special for Sunday dinner, baked cranberry turkey stuffing balls make it easy and delicious every time.
Step-by-step method for a Baked recipe
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking. This step ensures the cranberry turkey stuffing balls cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
Step 2
Next, grab a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. The scent of sage and thyme will remind you of different Thanksgiving recipes , even before baking begins.
Step 3
Then, add the ground turkey to the bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix it all together until combined. If you’re anything like me, mixing by hand feels nostalgic and a bit messy—but that’s half the fun.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the turkey blend and stir until everything is evenly moistened. The mixture might look sticky, but that’s perfect for shaping.
Step 5
Now, shape the mixture into balls about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Place each ball on a baking sheet lightly greased with olive oil. Try to space them evenly so they bake properly.
Step 6
After arranging, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for extra moisture. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. When the cranberry turkey stuffing balls are golden and cooked through, remove them and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips and tricks to make this Baked recipe shine
First, don’t skip the olive oil drizzle—it keeps the turkey and stuffing balls moist and flavorful. If you love a bit of crunch, try broiling for the last 2 minutes. Also, swap fresh cranberries for dried if needed, but reduce the quantity since dried ones are sweeter. For a festive twist, add a pinch of orange zest. Looking for more inspiration? Try pairing this with a creamy gravy, similar to stuffing balls with gravy . If you’re eager for more easy dinner ideas, check out our Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe. Or, for a cozy night, our Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot is a family favorite. Finally, remember that imperfections are part of home cooking. Mine never come out perfectly round, but they always disappear fast at holiday gatherings!
What to serve with this Baked recipe
First, cranberry turkey stuffing balls shine as a holiday centerpiece but also work year-round. Roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add color and crunch. Next, a light salad with citrus dressing balances the cozy flavors. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash always feel classic, while a simple green bean dish brings freshness. If you’re thinking about sauces, try a little extra cranberry sauce or a homemade gravy for dipping—just like stuffing balls with gravy! Also, these pair well with other make-ahead favorites, such as our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner for busy weeks, or the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner for a comforting family meal.
How to store and reheat
Because these are baked, they hold together nicely in the fridge for up to four days. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. When you want to reheat, use the oven for best results—this keeps the outside crisp and the inside moist. A quick trip in the microwave works too, but the oven preserves texture. For freezing, wrap each ball in foil before placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven. This method keeps them tasting like fresh-from-the-oven turkey and stuffing balls every time!
FAQ
Can I make cranberry turkey stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and shape them a day early. Store in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work, just chop them and maybe reduce the amount a bit since they’re sweeter.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking for quick snacks or party appetizers later.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Sure! Try ground chicken for a twist, similar to chicken stuffing meatballs.
What’s the best way to keep them moist?
Don’t overbake, and add a splash of broth to the mix if it looks dry before shaping.
Print
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a flavorful and festive dish combining ground turkey with fresh cranberries and traditional herbs. These baked balls make a perfect appetizer or side for holiday meals.
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add ground turkey and mix thoroughly.
4. Beat eggs and chicken broth together; pour into mixture and stir to combine.
5. Shape mixture into 1 to 1½ inch balls using your hands.
6. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange balls evenly.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the balls.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability.
Substitute turkey broth for chicken broth if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Finally, thank you for hanging out in my kitchen as we baked up these cranberry turkey stuffing balls. I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new for the holidays or even a cozy weeknight. If you’re always searching for different Thanksgiving recipes or want another turkey dish for your table, this one’s a keeper. Also, for more easy dinners, check out our slow cooker chicken burrito bowl or the always-popular marry me chicken. Don’t forget, we’re sharing new Christmas recipes and more on Pinterest—come follow us on Pinterest for the latest, or just to say hi!