Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Bite-Sized Thanksgiving Treat Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful, bite-sized twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors. Packed with savory herbs, juicy turkey, and tart cranberries, these treats are perfect as an appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups stuffing mix (gluten-free if needed)
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 1 egg, beaten
• 0.5 tsp dried sage
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.25 cup melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, chicken broth, beaten egg, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized portions and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Brush each ball with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish (optional).
5. Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6: Let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a little more chicken broth if the mixture feels too dry while shaping the balls.
• Try substituting dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries for a different fruity twist.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth.
• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture for added richness before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, which helps maintain their crispy exterior.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze the stuffing balls?

Absolutely. After baking and cooling, freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Bite-Sized Thanksgiving Treat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 stuffing balls 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful bite-sized appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. These savory morsels combine lean ground turkey with flavorful stuffing mix, sweet dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and sure to impress, they offer a delicious twist on traditional stuffing in a convenient handheld form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups stuffing mix (gluten-free if needed)
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 1 egg, beaten
• 0.5 tsp dried sage
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 0.25 cup melted butter (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, chicken broth, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the mixture.
3. Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized portions, ensuring each is compact enough to hold its shape. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
4. Optional Butter Brush: Brush the tops of the balls with melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior and enhance flavor if desired.
5. Bake: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld and improves the texture before serving.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix.
• Optional butter brushing adds richness and crispiness, but can be omitted for a lighter option.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Serve as an appetizer or alongside your holiday meal as a fun twist on traditional stuffing.
• Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for convenience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey stuffing balls, Thanksgiving appetizer, bite-sized stuffing, cranberry stuffing balls, holiday appetizers, gluten-free stuffing balls