Tangy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe: Holiday Magic

Crafting delectable cranberry turkey stuffing balls brings unexpected joy to holiday meal preparations.

Leftovers become something magical when combined with herbs and breadcrumbs.

festive gatherings demand creative approaches to reimagining classic ingredients.

Crisp turkey meat blends seamlessly with tangy cranberries and aromatic seasonings.

Bold flavors merge in these compact, golden-brown morsels that surprise and delight.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive appetizer.

Serve these irresistible bites and watch guests clamor for seconds.

Festive Stuffing Balls: What Makes Them Shine

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen, these stuffing balls come together with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with traditional holiday ingredients like turkey, cranberries, and herbs, these bite-sized treats will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or game day appetizers, these stuffing balls can be served as a main course or a delightful side that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Customizable Cuisine: Easy to adapt with different herbs, meats, or add-ins, making them a flexible recipe that can suit various dietary preferences and taste buds.

Stuffing Balls Ingredient Picks

• Turkey: A lean protein that provides a savory base for the stuffing balls and adds substantial flavor.

• Bread Crumbs, Egg: These ingredients help bind the stuffing mixture together and create a cohesive texture for the balls.

• Cranberries, Onion, Celery, Parsley: These ingredients contribute a mix of sweet, sharp, and fresh flavors that complement the turkey.
• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning blend that adds depth and traditional holiday taste to the stuffing balls.

• Chicken Broth: Provides necessary moisture to keep the stuffing balls tender and prevents them from becoming dry.

How to Craft Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Set this aside while you craft your delicious stuffing balls.

Step 2: Mix Core Ingredients

• Bread crumbs
• Chopped turkey
• Fresh cranberries
• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Finely chopped parsley

Blend these ingredients gently but thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Season The Mixture

• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these seasonings into the mixture to ensure every bite is packed with delightful taste.

Step 4: Bind The Mixture

Pour chicken broth into the bowl and crack an egg.

Mix everything together until the ingredients form a cohesive texture.

If the mixture seems dry, slowly add more broth to achieve the right consistency.

Step 5: Shape The Stuffing Balls

Using two tablespoons, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into perfect round balls.

Place each ball carefully on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring they are completely cooked through.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the hot stuffing balls to a serving plate.

Pair them with a side of rich gravy or tangy cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

These make a wonderful appetizer or side dish for holiday gatherings.

Smart Tips for Stuffing Balls

• Add chicken broth gradually to prevent dry stuffing balls, ensuring a perfect, moist texture without becoming soggy.
• Dice onions, celery, and parsley uniformly for even flavor distribution and consistent texture throughout the stuffing balls.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey mixture reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal doneness.
• Prepare extra batches and freeze uncooked stuffing balls for quick, convenient meals during busy holiday seasons or weeknight dinners.
• Replace turkey with ground chicken or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining the delicious cranberry flavor profile.

Stuffing Balls: Try Something New

• Vegetarian Stuffing Spheres: Replace turkey with plant-based ground protein or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Bites: Swap traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or quinoa for celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Balls: Add crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, and replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Clusters: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs and incorporate ground chicken for a keto-friendly alternative.

Stuffing Balls for Any Occasion

• Festive Platter Presentation: Arrange the stuffing balls on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary, creating a beautiful holiday centerpiece that looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Sauce Companion Pairings: Serve alongside homemade cranberry sauce, tangy gravy, or a zesty herb aioli to elevate the flavor profile and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Salad Side Kick: Complement the stuffing balls with a crisp winter salad featuring mixed greens, roasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
• Appetizer Transformation: Convert these balls into bite-sized party appetizers by skewering them with festive toothpicks and offering them as a crowd-pleasing holiday hors d'oeuvre.

Stuffing Balls: Save the Rest

• Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Place 2-3 stuffing balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure even warming.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen stuffing balls at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle a little chicken broth over the top to prevent drying out and restore moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for the stuffing balls?

Yes, you can use any bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or day-old bread. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for better texture and binding.

• Is it possible to make these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of these delicious balls.

• Can I prepare these stuffing balls in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the ingredients and form the balls a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive holiday gatherings come alive with delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, blending savory turkey and tart cranberries into perfectly portable bites. Crispy exterior and moist interior promise a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every seasonal celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded

Dried Ingredients:

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend bread crumbs, ground turkey, dried cranberries, finely chopped onion, diced celery, and freshly chopped parsley into a cohesive mixture.
3. Enhance the mixture with dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the mixture and crack an egg, stirring meticulously until the ingredients form a unified consistency. Adjust moisture by adding more broth if the mixture appears dry.
5. Using two tablespoons of the mixture, gently form compact spherical shapes, carefully placing each ball onto the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between them.
6. Roast the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, monitoring until they transform into a rich golden brown color and reach a fully cooked internal temperature.
7. Serve the stuffing balls piping hot, accompanied by complementary gravy or tangy cranberry sauce for an elevated dining experience.

Notes

• Choose bread with dense texture like sourdough or day-old bread for better binding and richer flavor profile.
• Finely dice vegetables to ensure even distribution and consistent cooking throughout the stuffing balls.
• Consider replacing turkey with plant-based ground meat for vegetarian version, maintaining same seasoning and texture techniques.
• Enhance moisture by adding a splash of white wine or extra chicken broth if mixture feels too dry during preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg