Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and tasty twist on classic stuffing. These little bites mix tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, and bright, tart cranberries for a perfect balance of cozy and fresh. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, with just a hint of sweetness from the cranberries.
I love making these when I want something easy to share at a gathering or a festive snack that everyone can grab with their hands. It’s such a simple way to enjoy all the great flavors of a holiday meal without needing a fork and plate. Plus, the cranberries add a pop of color that makes them look as good as they taste!
My favorite way to serve these is warm, right out of the oven, with a little dollop of gravy or cranberry sauce on the side. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or as a side dish to go along with your favorite holiday mains. Whenever I bring these to a get-together, they always disappear fast—so I make sure to double the batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Cooked turkey breast adds protein and a mild flavor. Leftover turkey works great, or you can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Stuffing: Store-bought stuffing is a time saver, but homemade stuffing lets you control seasoning and texture. Use bread cubes or cornbread as your base.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a touch of sweetness and color. Fresh or frozen cranberries can be chopped and used too, just reduce added liquids slightly.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage give that classic holiday flavor. If you only have dried herbs, reduce quantities since they’re more potent.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth keeps the balls moist. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth will work fine too.
How Do You Make Stuffing Balls Hold Together Without Falling Apart?
Getting these balls to stay intact while baking is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the eggs and broth well into the stuffing mix—that moisture and binding from the eggs help hold it together.
- Make sure the stuffing isn’t too dry or too wet; add extra broth bit by bit or some breadcrumbs to get the right consistency.
- Press the mixture firmly when shaping your balls so everything sticks together well.
- Brushing with oil or butter on the outside helps them brown and keeps the exterior slightly crisp, which adds to the hold.
Following these tips will give you pretty, sturdy stuffing balls that bake evenly and taste great every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use a large bowl to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the ingredients just right.
- Baking sheet – a standard cookie sheet works well to hold the stuffing balls.
- Parmesan or cookie scoop (optional) – helps shape uniform balls quickly.
- Kitchen brush – for brushing the balls with oil or melted butter before baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese – add shredded cheddar or Parmesan inside the mixture for extra cheesy flavor.
- Spices – sprinkle in some cumin, paprika, or cinnamon for a different twist.
- Veggies – stir in cooked spinach, chopped mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added texture and flavor.
- Meat – swap turkey for cooked sausage or bacon crumbles for a richer taste.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups prepared turkey stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon sage (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for brushing
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes total from start to finish. It’s quick and easy for a delicious holiday treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This makes clean-up easy and keeps your stuffing balls intact.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey stuffing, chopped turkey, dried cranberries, diced celery, and onion. Then add in the rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and broth together, then pour into the stuffing mixture. Gently stir everything until well combined and able to hold its shape when pressed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more broth; if too wet, sprinkle in some breadcrumbs.
3. Shape and Bake the Stuffing Balls:
Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each ball lightly with olive oil or melted butter to help them brown nicely during baking. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the balls halfway through so they brown evenly all over.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once golden and heated through, remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like for a fresh look and extra aroma. Serve warm with gravy or extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. These little bites are perfect as a festive appetizer or a comforting side dish everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before chopping and mixing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make These Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffing Balls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them on medium power for short bursts, flipping occasionally.
Can I Substitute the Dried Cranberries?
Yes! You can swap dried cranberries with raisins, chopped dried cherries, or even fresh chopped apples for a different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind fresh fruit may add more moisture to the mixture.
