Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the kind of holiday recipe you’ll want to make on repeat — cozy, quick, and packed with festive flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs, they’re the perfect handheld bites for entertaining or easy weeknight comfort.

This recipe started on a crisp November afternoon when I needed something warm and satisfying. I had leftover stuffing, a pound of ground turkey, and not much else — but that’s all it took to create something memorable. In less than 40 minutes, golden, juicy stuffing balls filled the kitchen with a herby, nostalgic aroma that instantly felt like home.

Whether you’re planning for Friendsgiving or just want a new way to serve turkey, these stuffing balls check every box. And if festive flavors make your heart happy, don’t forget to subscribe — I’ve got more cozy dishes coming your way soon.

Why These Stuffing Balls Deserve a Spot at Your Table

There’s something so comforting about food that feels familiar — and yet, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls manage to bring something new to the table. They combine the best of holiday flavors into one easy, make-ahead dish that works as an appetizer, side, or even a light meal.

The real beauty of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls lies in their balance. The ground turkey keeps them moist and lean, while the stuffing mix adds a soft, herby interior and just enough texture to make every bite satisfying. Then come the cranberries — chewy and slightly tart — a tiny surprise that brightens the whole dish.

Unlike traditional stuffing that needs a casserole dish and careful baking, these stuffing balls are simple to prep and bake. They crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside, especially if you brush them with melted butter before they hit the oven.

If you’ve ever served dishes like my sweet potato rounds with blue cheese, cranberry and pecans, you’ll know how much guests appreciate that perfect bite-sized blend of savory and sweet. The same goes for the cranberry-glazed roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and feta — both of which pair beautifully with this stuffing ball recipe on a holiday spread.

Whether you’re planning ahead or just need a quick go-to for Thanksgiving week, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and just fancy enough to make your guests think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you did.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Before you get started, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come together beautifully. This recipe keeps things simple, yet delivers big on flavor and texture.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a quick glance at everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground Turkey	1 lb	Lean or regular, your choice
Stuffing Mix	2 cups	Choose gluten-free if needed
Dried Cranberries	1/2 cup	Sweetened or unsweetened
Chicken Broth	1/4 cup	Low sodium works best
Egg	1 large	Lightly beaten
Dried Sage	1/2 tsp	For that classic stuffing flavor
Dried Thyme	1/2 tsp	Pairs beautifully with cranberries
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Start small and adjust
Melted Butter (optional)	1/4 cup	Brush on for a golden finish

Every ingredient plays its part. The stuffing mix gives structure and moisture, while the cranberries add brightness and balance the savory turkey. The egg binds it all together, and the sage and thyme bring that holiday magic to every bite.

Tools You’ll Need (and Handy Substitutions)

The best part? You probably already have everything you need.

• Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all ingredients thoroughly.

• Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

• Small Cookie Scoop or Hands – To roll the mixture into even-sized balls.

• Pastry Brush (optional) – For brushing melted butter over the tops.

No chicken broth? Try vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. If cranberries aren’t your thing, chopped dried cherries or golden raisins can work. Don’t have stuffing mix on hand? Day-old bread cubes seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and poultry seasoning make a quick DIY version.

I often prep a few ingredients while making something else — like these spinach ricotta bites that also use simple pantry staples. And if you’re using a festive starter like baked brie in a bread bowl with cranberry sauce and thyme, the leftover cranberry sauce makes a great dip for your stuffing balls!

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come together in a breeze. They’re perfect for busy holidays when you want something special without a lot of effort. Here’s how to get them crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 cups stuffing mix

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 1 beaten egg

• ½ tsp each of dried sage and thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until just combined. Don’t overmix — you want it well incorporated but still fluffy.

Step 3: Form the stuffing balls
Scoop the mixture and roll into golf ball-sized portions. This recipe yields about 16 stuffing balls. Space them evenly on the lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Add buttery crunch (optional)
If you’d like a crispier, more golden finish, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers reach 165°F (74°C) and the outsides are golden brown. They should feel firm to the touch, but not dry.

Let them cool slightly, then serve warm — ideally with gravy or extra cranberry sauce on the side.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

• Don’t skip the parchment. It prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

• Moisture matters. If your mixture feels dry, add an extra splash of broth. If it’s too wet, a sprinkle more stuffing mix will help.

• Uniform size = even baking. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion each ball.

• Make ahead tip: Roll and freeze them raw, then bake straight from frozen — just add 5 extra minutes to your bake time.

I often prep these while I’m working on other holiday snacks, like mini phyllo cups with brie, pecans, and cranberry drizzle. If you’re craving something sweet after, why not whip up a batch of pumpkin pancakes for dessert-style brunch?

Serving, Storing & Pairing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are more than just tasty — they’re versatile, easy to serve, and just as good the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a quiet night in, this part helps you get the most out of every bite.

What to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Let’s talk pairings! These stuffing balls are incredibly flexible — they fit right in on a holiday platter or shine as a comforting weeknight dish. Serve them warm with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce, or turn them into a main meal with a few well-chosen sides.

For a beautiful holiday spread, pair them with the cranberry whipped feta dip with hot honey drizzle. The tangy feta and touch of heat balance the sweet cranberries in the stuffing balls beautifully.

Looking for something fresh and crisp? A seasonal salad like the apple walnut cranberry salad with maple dressing adds texture and brightness to your plate. Plus, the maple vinaigrette complements the herb-forward profile of the stuffing balls.

Other great pairings include:

• Roasted root vegetables

• Mashed or sweet potatoes

• Green beans almondine

• Warm rolls or cornbread

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Good. These keep well — and might even taste better the next day.

To store:
Place cooled Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• From fridge: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

• From frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until hot all the way through.

To keep them moist, cover loosely with foil or add a splash of broth when reheating in the oven. Avoid microwaving too long, or they may dry out.

Want to prep ahead? You can roll the stuffing balls in advance and freeze them unbaked. Just pop them straight onto a baking sheet when you’re ready and add a few extra minutes to your cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the mixture, roll it into balls, and freeze them raw. Just bake from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cook time. They’re perfect for stress-free holiday planning.

2. Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
They can be! Just make sure to use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix. All the other ingredients — ground turkey, cranberries, broth, and spices — are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best here because they provide concentrated sweetness and chew. Fresh cranberries would be too tart and might add too much moisture unless you cook and sweeten them first.

4. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Classic gravy is a winner, but cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even hot honey work beautifully. Try them with the cranberry whipped feta dip for something unexpected and delicious.

5. Can I swap the turkey for another meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or even a mix of turkey and sausage will work. Just make sure to adjust seasonings slightly depending on your protein.

6. How many stuffing balls does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 stuffing balls, about the size of golf balls. You can make them smaller for appetizer trays or larger for a main course.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy — and that’s exactly what Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls do. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just to enjoy on a quiet evening with leftovers, these little bites are loaded with comfort, flavor, and joy.

They’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope they find a spot in yours too. Inspired by cozy classics and dishes like these turkey stuffing meatballs, this version adds its own sweet-tart twist with cranberries and herbs.

Looking for more seasonal crowd-pleasers? Don’t miss my spinach ricotta bites — perfect for grazing boards — or the apple walnut cranberry salad for a fresh and crunchy side.

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