Name: Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (85–93% lean); 1½ cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled); 1 large egg; ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh); 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Turkey gravy; Extra cranberry sauce

I can honestly say that these Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe have become a star at every holiday gathering I’ve brought them to. There’s just something magical about the cozy blend of ground turkey mingling with sweet-tart cranberries and savory herbs all rolled up into perfect bite-sized balls. If you’re hunting for a fresh twist on traditional stuffing or a delightful appetizer that your guests will rave about, this recipe is absolutely worth trying.

What I love most is how versatile and forgiving this recipe is — it works beautifully as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a festive finger food at a party. Plus, you get that wonderful crunchy outside and tender inside, which means everyone gets a little surprise in each bite. Trust me, once you try these Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe, they’ll sneak their way onto your annual holiday menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe come together to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile — savory, sweet, and herbaceous. I’ve found that using fresh herbs and quality dried cranberries really makes a difference, and prepping the stuffing ahead of time keeps everything nice and easy on the cooking day.

Ground turkey: I opt for 85–93% lean to keep it moist yet healthy.
Prepared stuffing: You can use a boxed mix or homemade; just make sure it’s cooled to avoid sogginess.
Large egg: Acts as the binder to hold everything together.
Dried cranberries: They add a lovely tangy sweetness, but fresh chopped cranberries work if you prefer a fresher bite.
Chopped parsley: Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh pop of color.
Dried thyme: Classic herb that pairs beautifully with turkey and stuffing.
Garlic powder: For that subtle savory depth.
Onion powder: Adds a nice mellow onion flavor without the texture of raw onions.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to season everything perfectly.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): I love adding this for a nutty, cheesy edge, but it’s totally optional if you want to keep it lighter.
Turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce (optional for serving): These elevates your stuffing balls to something really special when you serve them.

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own with little tweaks based on what you love or have on hand. I often experiment depending on the season or dietary preferences, and trust me, a few small changes can create an entirely new twist while keeping the festive vibe.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap ground turkey for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. I tried lentils once and was amazed at how hearty and satisfying they were!
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture and warmth — a personal favorite for cozy winter gatherings.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika if you want a little heat. I’ve done this when hosting friends who love a kick.
Herb Swap: Use fresh sage or rosemary instead of thyme to change the aromatic profile. Each herb lends its own holiday flair!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing, and these balls are good to go — perfect if you’re cooking for friends or family who need that option.

How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Mix It All Up

Start by combining your ground turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re including Parmesan, fold it in here as well. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything gently but thoroughly — you want an even distribution of all ingredients without overworking the turkey which can make the texture tough.

Step 2: Form Your Stuffing Balls

Once your mixture is ready, use about two tablespoons per ball and roll gently between your palms to form neat, compact balls. Don’t overpack them; just enough pressure to keep them together. I like to place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick or fall apart later.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on the outside and the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature should hit 165°F). Halfway through, I flip them for even browning. This baking time keeps the outside crispy while locking in juiciness inside — so important for perfect texture!

How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe

Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few whole dried cranberries over the top for a pop of color and festive mood. Sometimes I drizzle a little turkey gravy or offer extra cranberry sauce on the side — my family loves dunking them! It adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps them moist.

Side Dishes

These stuffing balls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. My go-to sides are garlic mashed potatoes and green beans almondine — classic, comforting, and they complement the flavors perfectly. You could even serve them as an appetizer before your main holiday feast!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these balls on a beautiful platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. One year, I even served them in mini muffin tins as “stuffing cups” and topped each with a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce — total crowd-pleaser and super cute! Think about using festive plates or garnishing with rosemary sprigs for that extra holiday cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for 3-4 days. To prevent them from getting soggy, I like to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture. Reheating them is still a treat, so don’t worry if you have leftovers!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, these stuffing balls freeze beautifully. I flash freeze them on the baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, you can bake them straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can because the texture tends to get mushy, and you want to preserve that delightful crisp exterior.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute. Just make sure it has a bit of fat content so the stuffing balls stay moist. You might want to keep an eye on the cooking time since chicken can cook slightly faster.
Are these cranberry turkey stuffing balls gluten-free?

They can be, as long as you use gluten-free stuffing. Many boxed stuffings now offer gluten-free options, or you can make your own with gluten-free bread. Just double-check all ingredient labels to be safe.
Can I make these ahead of time and bake just before serving?

Yes, making them ahead is a smart move! Form the stuffing balls, store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when you’re ready. This helps reduce last-minute stress and keeps them tasting fresh.
What if my stuffing balls fall apart during baking?

This usually happens if the mixture isn’t bound well. Make sure you add the egg and mix gently but thoroughly to help the ingredients stick. Also, avoid packing the balls too tightly to keep a light texture that holds.
Can these be served as appetizers?

Definitely! Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect finger food. Just add toothpicks or small forks and some dipping sauces for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe have become one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress my guests without stressing out over complicated dishes. The flavor combo is so warm and festive, they bring the classic holiday vibes with a little modern twist. I can’t wait for you to try them out — I have a feeling they’ll become a new favorite on your holiday table, too. Let me know how your friends and family like them once you do!