Okay, so the holidays are coming, and you know what that means – a whole lot of grazing! Forget those boring cheese balls, because I finally perfected my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, and let me tell you, they are a game-changer for any party or holiday spread. I made these last year for Thanksgiving dinner, and honestly, they disappeared faster than my aunt can talk about her garden gnome collection. They’re just the perfect little savory bite, packed with that comforting stuffing flavor, a touch of turkey goodness, and then BAM! – a burst of sweet-tart cranberry. Seriously, you *need* these on your appetizer rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- So easy to whip up! Seriously, you can have these ready for the oven in about 15 minutes flat. Perfect for when you’re already swamped with holiday cooking.
- Taste bud explosion! You get that classic, comforting stuffing flavor, savory ground turkey, and then that little pop of sweet cranberry. It’s a flavor party!
- Festive and pretty! They look so cute all golden brown with those little pops of red cranberry. They just scream “holiday spirit.”
- Super versatile. Serve them as a killer appetizer, or tuck them next to the turkey as a fancy side dish. They’re a crowd-pleaser no matter how you slice it!
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Alright, getting these little flavor bombs made is pretty straightforward. You just need a few simple things you probably already have in your pantry or fridge:
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean is good, but don’t stress too much about it.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I like using plain, but panko works too for a little extra crunch!
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery – this adds such a nice texture and freshness.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion – gives it that savory base we all love.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries – these are absolutely key for that sweet-tart little surprise in every bite.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten – this is our binder, keeps everything together!
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning – don’t skip this! It just screams Thanksgiving.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to bring out all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a little tiny kick!
See? Nothing scary here. It’s all stuff that makes for a really darn tasty bite.
Essential Equipment for Making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
So, to get these stuffing balls from idea to plate, you won’t need a fancy setup, thankfully! Just a few trusty kitchen staples will do the trick:
- A large mixing bowl. Like, big enough to get your hands in there and really mix everything up without making a huge mess, you know?
- A baking sheet. One that’s not too warped so your balls don’t roll off! Using parchment paper on it is a total game-changer for cleanup, trust me.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Precision is key here, especially for getting that binder-to-stuffing ratio just right.
- And, of course, your hands! You’ll be mixing and rolling, and sometimes, that’s the best tool you have.
That’s really it! Simple as can be.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Okay, so getting these little guys from a bowl of ingredients to golden-brown perfection is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be popping these delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in your mouth in no time!
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven warmed up nice and hot to 375°F (that’s 190°C). You’ll also want to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes cleanup a BREEZE. If you don’t have parchment, a light greasing of the pan works too, but parchment is my secret weapon against stuck-on bits!
- Mix it Up: Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, that chopped celery and onion we prepped, those sweet dried cranberries, the lightly beaten egg, and all those wonderful seasonings – poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now, the fun part: get your hands in there! Mix it all up really, really well. You want everything combined until it’s just uniform. Don’t overmix it into a paste, you still want some texture, but make sure there are no dry spots of breadcrumbs hiding!
- Roll ’em Out: Now, take about a tablespoon (or a little cookie scoop, if you have one!) of the mixture. Roll it gently between your palms to form little balls, about 1-inch in size. They don’t have to be perfectly round; a little rustic charm is totally fine. Just try to keep them roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Place all your little balls onto that prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can get nice and golden.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake these for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for them to be cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. A great way to check if they’re done is to gently press one with a fork; it should feel firm. Or, if you want to be extra sure, you can cut one in half – the turkey should be completely cooked, with no pink showing. They’re super versatile, whether you’re serving them as a snack or a side, maybe next to some garlic herb roasted potatoes!
And that’s it! Easy peasy, right? Just let them cool slightly before digging in, or serve them warm alongside something like these amazing Greek chicken bowls if you’re having a larger meal!
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea down, but let’s chat about how to make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls absolutely, positively *perfect* every single time. Because nobody wants a crumbly, sad little ball, right?
Firstly, when it comes to your binder, that egg is super important. Make sure it’s really mixed into the turkey and crumb mixture. If you’re worried about them falling apart – maybe your turkey is a bit leaner, or the weather is just really humid (it happens!) – you can totally add another pinch of breadcrumbs or even a tiny bit more egg. I’ve found that sometimes a little extra binder is all it needs. And if you don’t have poultry seasoning? No worries! A mix of sage, thyme, and a little rosemary works wonders too. Just eye it up until it smells beautifully herby! They’re also great alongside something like chicken skewers with garlic and parmesan!
For the cranberries, I love the tart little burst they give. But if you’re not a huge cranberry fan, you could try some finely chopped dried cherries or even raisins, though the flavor will be a bit different. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Give those balls a little breathing room so they can get nice and golden-brown all around. If you bake them too close together, they tend to steam instead of bake, and nobody wants that. They’re super versatile, whether you’re serving them as a snack or a side, maybe next to some garlic herb roasted potatoes! Or if you’re looking for other ground turkey ideas, check out this ground turkey zucchini casserole!
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These little bites are just fantastic served warm, straight out of the oven. They really shine when they’re still a bit sticky and all those flavors are singing. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, a little dish of cranberry sauce or even some ranch makes a yummy dip! They’re also a brilliant side dish, especially with Thanksgiving dinner, maybe next to some roasted veggie tahini yogurt for contrast. Can’t finish ’em all? No worries!
Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back on a baking sheet in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through. They’re honestly just as good the second time around!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Got questions about these little holiday heroes? I get it! It’s always good to have the inside scoop.
Can I make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian version, you can totally swap out the ground turkey. A good substitute would be crumbled firm tofu, seasoned lentils, or even some finely chopped mushrooms. Just make sure whatever you use is well-drained so your balls don’t get too mushy. You’ll still want that binder and all those delicious herbs and cranberries!
Can I freeze these stuffing balls before baking?
Oh yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead option! You can roll the balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then pop the whole sheet into the freezer until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen balls straight onto a baking sheet – you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. So convenient for busy holiday prep!
What are some good things to serve with these stuffing balls?
They’re so versatile! Of course, they’re amazing on their own as an appetizer, especially with a little side of cranberry sauce for dipping. But they also make a super cute side dish! I love serving them alongside mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. They’re a great little addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but we can get a general idea of what’s in these delicious little Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Based on the ingredients we used, you’re looking at about 150 calories per serving, which is usually around 3 balls. You’ll get a good boost of protein from the turkey (around 10g), some healthy fats, and some carbs from the breadcrumbs and cranberries. Remember, this is just an estimate, and the exact numbers might change a little depending on the brands you use or if you add anything extra! It’s a pretty balanced little bite, though! If you’re looking for more protein-packed meals, you should totally check out my high-protein chicken parm recipe!
Share Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Ball Creations!
Okay, spill the beans! Did you try making these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls? I am dying to know how they turned out for you! Did you leave a comment below with your thoughts? Maybe you found a super cool variation or have a secret tip to share? Or perhaps you snapped some amazing photos on social media? I’d absolutely love to see them! Tagging me helps me see all your kitchen adventures. Knowing how things turn out for you all really makes my day and helps others see what’s possible! You can always learn more about me over at my about page, or if you just want to say hi, you can always get in touch!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory stuffing balls with turkey and cranberry.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, celery, onion, cranberries, egg, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the balls are golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, turkey stuffing, cranberry stuffing, appetizer, holiday side dish