Description

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. Made with ground turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs, these bite-sized morsels are perfect as a festive appetizer or a tasty side dish. Baked until golden and juicy, they bring a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 cups stuffing mix (gluten-free if needed)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 egg, beaten

Seasonings and Extras

1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter, melted (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, chicken broth, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Form balls: Roll the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized portions, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Add butter (optional): Brush each stuffing ball with the melted butter to add richness and help them develop a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the stuffing balls for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outsides are nicely golden brown.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls cool slightly so they set up before serving warm. They pair beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch.

Notes

For gluten-free preparation, be sure to use a gluten-free stuffing mix.
You can substitute ground chicken if you prefer a lighter meat option.
Brushing with melted butter is optional but adds a delicious crispy texture and richer flavor.
Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety when cooking poultry.
These stuffing balls can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated before baking for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry, turkey, stuffing, holiday recipe, gluten-free, baked appetizers, Thanksgiving, Christmas side dish, savory bites