When the holiday season rolls around, the smell of roasted turkey wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But what truly steals the show? Yes, you guessed it—Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Imagine savory turkey mingling with tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a crispy golden exterior. It’s a flavor explosion that promises to make your taste buds dance like a sugar high toddler after a birthday party.
I remember my first attempt at making these delightful treats—my kitchen looked like a scene straight out of a cooking disaster movie. But when my family took their first bites, the smiles on their faces made every flour-covered counter worth it. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, these stuffing balls are sure to be the highlight of your dinner table. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor
- Their vibrant colors and textures make them visually appealing on any plate
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish, they’re perfect for any occasion
- Plus, they can be made ahead of time and simply baked before serving!
I still chuckle at how my kids fought over the last stuffing ball during our family feast; they were like little hawks swooping in for the kill!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option; it keeps the stuffing light without sacrificing flavor.
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Dried Cranberries: These sweet-tart gems add a burst of flavor; look for ones that are plump and juicy for best results.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion provides depth; sauté until translucent for maximum sweetness and aroma.
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Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch; use fresh stalks for the best texture and flavor contrast.
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Herbs (Thyme & Sage): Fresh herbs elevate the dish; I recommend using a mix for a fragrant finish.
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Breadcrumbs: Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs to enhance flavor; they help bind everything together beautifully.
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Eggs: Eggs act as a binder; large eggs work best for achieving the right consistency.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness; it adds moisture without overwhelming flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your onion and celery finely—this ensures even cooking and prevents any unwelcome crunch surprises.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in your chopped onion and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant, about five minutes.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, herbs, eggs, and chicken broth. Mix gently until fully incorporated but don’t overdo it!
Shape Into Balls: With clean hands (or gloves if you’re fancy), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to breathe during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you arrange your beautiful stuffing balls on the baking sheet. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls make an excellent appetizer or side dish that everyone will love!
And there you have it! An easy yet impressive recipe that brings everyone together around the table—just like my family did when we devoured those stuffing balls in record time!
You Must Know
- These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are not just delicious; they bring a festive spirit to any gathering
- Their delightful aroma and crispy exterior create a holiday vibe that everyone will appreciate
- Perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the turkey and onion together before adding herbs and bread. This way, you achieve a flavorful base while ensuring everything melds perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different nuts or dried fruits depending on your taste preferences. A sprinkle of cheese can also elevate these stuffing balls into gourmet territory.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize with seasonal ingredients
- Ensure even cooking by making uniform-sized balls, which helps them brown nicely
- Always taste before serving; seasoning is key to elevating flavors!
I still remember the first time I made these cranberry turkey stuffing balls. My family devoured them, asking for seconds and thirds, leaving me wondering if I needed to hide some for later!
FAQ
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey adds great flavor and makes this dish even easier to prepare.
What’s the best way to serve these stuffing balls?
Serving them warm with a side of gravy makes for a delicious combination everyone will love.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can last up to three days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings. These savory bites combine lean ground turkey with sweet-tart dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs, delivering a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish, these stuffing balls bring warmth and festivity to your table. Plus, they can be made ahead of time for even more convenience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by finely chopping the onion and celery.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, breadcrumbs, herbs, eggs, and chicken broth until combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
