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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Optional Butter Brush: Brush the tops of the balls with melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior and enhance flavor if desired.
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.
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