Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe
These Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect festive holiday appetizer or side dish. Ground turkey is mixed with flavorful dried cranberries, herbs, and prepared stuffing to create bite-sized, savory balls that are baked until golden. They are wonderfully moist, slightly sweet, and packed with comforting holiday flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to your seasonal menu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
For Serving (Optional)
- Turkey gravy
- Extra cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined but do not overwork the mixture to keep it tender.
- Form stuffing balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch diameter balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the exterior is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the stuffing balls rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Using prepared stuffing saves time, but homemade stuffing can add a personalized flavor.
- You can swap dried cranberries for chopped fresh cranberries if preferred.
- Make sure the egg is fully incorporated to help bind the mixture.
- Cook the stuffing balls thoroughly to ensure food safety.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for convenience.
Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, baked stuffing balls, festive recipe, turkey stuffing, cranberry side dish