Transform your leftover holiday ingredients into something spectacular with these irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls that capture all the beloved flavors of Thanksgiving dinner in one perfect, poppable bite. These golden-brown spheres combine seasoned ground turkey with traditional bread stuffing, tart dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, then get baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Each bite delivers the comforting essence of the holidays with layers of savory turkey, herb-scented stuffing, and bursts of sweet-tart cranberries that make them impossible to resist. Whether you’re using up leftovers or creating them from scratch, these stuffing balls bring festive flavors to any table.
Makes: 24 stuffing balls
What You’ll Need for the Base
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 4 cups prepared stuffing, cooled (or use stuffing mix prepared according to package)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (optional for extra tartness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
What You’ll Need for Seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
What You’ll Need for Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Cranberry sauce for serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Building the Flavor Foundation
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic. This aromatic base creates the traditional stuffing flavor that makes these balls so reminiscent of holiday meals.
Preparing the Turkey Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, sage, and nutmeg. Add the cooked vegetable mixture and mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the final product tough. The turkey should be evenly seasoned and the vegetables distributed throughout.
Incorporating the Star Ingredients
Add the cooled prepared stuffing to the turkey mixture, breaking up any large chunks with your hands. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, fresh cranberries if using, beaten eggs, chicken broth, fresh parsley, sage, and thyme. Mix everything together until the mixture holds together when squeezed but isn’t overly dense. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape but not soggy.
Shaping Perfect Portions
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 24 balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even browning. Roll each ball lightly between your palms to smooth the surface and ensure they’re evenly shaped.
Creating the Golden Crust
Brush each stuffing ball lightly with olive oil, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and beautiful golden color. The breadcrumbs create a delightful textural contrast to the tender interior. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to promote even browning during baking.
Baking to Perfection
Bake the stuffing balls for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides. They should be golden brown all over and have an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. The exterior should be crispy while the interior remains moist and flavorful.
Testing for Doneness
The stuffing balls are perfectly done when they’re golden brown, firm to the touch, and cooked through. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check – the interior should be hot throughout with no pink remaining in the turkey. The stuffing should be heated through and the cranberries should be plump and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffing balls warm as an appetizer with small bowls of cranberry sauce for dipping, or arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or sage leaves. They also make an excellent side dish for holiday meals, complementing roasted turkey, ham, or other traditional main courses.
Make-Ahead Magic
These stuffing balls can be formed and refrigerated up to one day ahead of baking, making them perfect for holiday entertaining when oven space is precious. You can also freeze the unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags once frozen solid. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftover Transformation
This recipe is perfect for using up holiday leftovers, but you can easily make it from scratch using store-bought stuffing mix. If using leftover stuffing that’s already seasoned, taste the mixture before adding additional salt and seasonings. Leftover roasted turkey can be chopped finely and substituted for up to half of the ground turkey.
Flavor Variations
Try different dried fruits like chopped apricots or golden raisins instead of cranberries for variety. Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and richness. For a more adult flavor, add a tablespoon of bourbon or brandy to the mixture. Different herb combinations like rosemary and oregano can create unique flavor profiles.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffing balls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds. The oven method is preferred as it maintains the crispy exterior texture.
Perfect Party Food
These stuffing balls are ideal party food because they’re easy to eat with your hands, can be made ahead, and appeal to a wide range of tastes. Provide small appetizer plates and cocktail napkins, and consider offering both cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping options. They’re substantial enough to serve as a light meal with a simple salad.
