When the twinkle lights glow and the kitchen fills with the scent of herbs and roasted turkey, you know it’s time for cozy bites like these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They’re savory, slightly sweet, and filled with holiday flavor in every tender bite. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, so when your guests arrive, your oven (and not you) does the work.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Make-ahead magic: Mix, roll, and chill before baking stress-free party prep!
- Festive flavor: Juicy cranberries and herby stuffing give cozy Christmas vibes.
- Easy to serve: Perfect for cocktail platters or appetizer boards.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake ahead and reheat for instant party bites.
- Delicious pairing: Goes beautifully with sweet sauces or savory dips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (coarsely chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed stuffing mix
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Olive oil for drizzling
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1 Prep the Flavor Base
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, and herbs. Add salt and pepper, then stir in the ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth. Mix gently you want everything combined, but not dense.
Step 2 Shape & Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them evenly spaced. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then bake for 20 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3 Cool, Store, or Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. If making ahead, refrigerate or freeze once cooled. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 15 minutes before serving warm at your Christmas gathering.
Serving Ideas for a Christmas Appetizer Spread
These stuffing balls are a crowd favorite on any festive platter. Serve them with cranberry sauce, maple mustard dip, or herbed gravy. They pair wonderfully with Marinated Cheese and Christmas Cranberry Meatballs for a holiday spread that looks (and tastes) like a winter feast.
Appetizer Board Pairing Ideas
- Add rosemary sprigs, dried oranges, and fresh cranberries for color.
- Include cheeses, nuts, and savory spreads for variety.
- Finish your setup with a pitcher of Holiday Punch it’s a merry match for these savory bites!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze cooked balls up to 2 months; reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- To save time, roll them a day ahead and bake before guests arrive.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheddar or gouda for extra meltiness.
- Nutty crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Sweet glaze: Brush baked balls with maple syrup or cranberry glaze.
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño for heat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Don’t overmix a gentle touch keeps them fluffy.
- Use fresh cranberries for a pop of tartness.
- Always bake on parchment for even browning.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes! These taste even better when the flavors have time to blend. Prep, roll, and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
Can I freeze Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Absolutely bake, cool, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes until warm and golden.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Try tangy cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or creamy garlic aioli for a mix of flavors.
Wrap-Up
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring all the comfort and cheer of Christmas in one bite. Make them ahead, warm them up, and watch them vanish from the platter. Your guests will never know how easy they were to make!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed stuffing mix
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine breadcrumbs, herbs, onion, celery, cranberries, and garlic. Add turkey, eggs, and broth. Mix gently.
- Roll into 1½-inch balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve with cranberry sauce or gravy.