Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s just something so warm and cozy about gathering with loved ones, the scent of roasted turkey and savory stuffing wafting through the air. One dish that’s a must-have on our family’s holiday table is Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. My grandma used to make them every year, and the memory of cracking into that crispy outer shell to reveal the soft, flavorful interior is forever etched in my mind.
As a kid, I’d watch her carefully craft each stuffing ball, her hands moving with the precision of a surgeon. She’d start by sautéing onions and celery until they were perfectly tender, then fold in chunks of juicy roasted turkey, tart cranberries, and a symphony of fragrant herbs and spices. The secret, she’d always say, was in the breadcrumb coating – it created an irresistible textural contrast that made these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls utterly addictive.
Now, as an adult, I’ve carried on Grandma’s tradition, and these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls have become a staple at my own Thanksgiving celebrations. They’re the first dish to disappear from the table, with family and friends reaching for seconds (and thirds!) until there’s not a crumb left. And you know what? I can’t blame them – these little flavor bombs are just that good.
Why This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
What sets these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, savory interior that’s bursting with the comforting taste of Thanksgiving. The tart cranberries provide a lovely contrast to the rich turkey and herbs, while the breadcrumb coating adds an irresistible crunch. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time flat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey: The backbone of these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, providing the savory, meaty flavor.
- Bread cubes: For the perfect stuffing-like texture.
- Celery: Adds a wonderful crunch and fresh, earthy note.
- Onion: Sautéed until tender, it lends sweetness and depth.
- Fresh cranberries: Their tart, juicy burst is the perfect complement to the rich turkey.
- Herbs: A blend of sage, thyme, and parsley brings that classic Thanksgiving aroma.
- Chicken broth: Helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls moist.
- Breadcrumbs: The secret to that crispy outer shell.
Step-by-Step Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls come together in just a few simple steps. With a prep time of 20 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can have this delicious side dish on the table in under an hour. You’ll need a large bowl, a skillet, and a baking sheet to make these flavor-packed balls.
1- Start by sautéing the onion and celery in a skillet over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the ground turkey, bread cubes, cranberries, and chopped herbs. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together until well incorporated.
3- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into tightly packed balls, about 2 inches in diameter.
4- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet.
5- Bake the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6- Serve these flavorful Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls hot, garnished with extra cranberries and chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra crispy exterior, try pan-frying the stuffing balls in a bit of oil before baking.
- Swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or pork if you prefer.
- Add a teaspoon of poultry seasoning or a dash of nutmeg for a more traditional stuffing flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as that can result in dense, tough Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls.
- Use day-old bread cubes for a firmer texture, or fresh for a softer interior.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast, but they also make a great appetizer or snack any time of year. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and your favorite holiday veggie for a classic Thanksgiving spread. They’d also be delicious with a crisp green salad or a glass of sparkling cider.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are super versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make the balls up to 3 days in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and then bake them off just before serving. They also freeze beautifully – simply arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the frozen Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Creative Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Variations
While the classic Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this beloved dish. Try swapping in Italian sausage or spicy chorizo for the ground turkey, or experiment with different dried fruits like apricots or cherries instead of cranberries. You could also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Diet-Friendly
To make these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls a bit more diet-friendly, you can use ground turkey breast instead of the fattier dark meat. Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour for a low-carb version. And for a meatless option, try substituting sautéed mushrooms or diced butternut squash for the turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cranberries work beautifully in these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. Just be sure to thaw the frozen cranberries before adding them to the mix.
Q: How long do the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls need to bake?
A: The Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls should bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Q: Can I make the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then bake them off just before serving.
Q: How many Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 18-20 Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, depending on the size you scoop them.
Q: What should I do if the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are browning too quickly?
A: If the exterior of the stuffing balls is getting too dark before the interior is fully cooked, simply cover the baking sheet loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24
Description
These bite-sized Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful holiday appetizer that combines the flavors of juicy turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs. They’re the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any festive gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– 1 cup bread cubes
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp poultry seasoning
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, bread cubes, onion, garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. Scoop the mixture and form into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. 5. Serve the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Notes
For a crisper texture, broil the balls for 2-3 minutes after baking. You can also make these ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a Thanksgiving must-have, and this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. With their crispy outer shell, tender, flavorful interior, and perfect balance of sweet and savory, these little flavor bombs are destined to become the star of your holiday spread. So don’t wait – give this recipe a try, and get ready to watch your family and friends devour every last delicious bite. And be sure to let me know how they turned out in the comments below!