Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These delicious stuffing balls combine seasoned ground turkey, herbs, and dried cranberries for a perfectly moist and flavorful bite. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and infused with holiday aromatics — they’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive dinner table.Serve them as a side, appetizer, or even as part of a main course with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Serves: 12–14 stuffing balls (about 4–6 servings)
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls
1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
2 cups day-old bread cubes (whole wheat or white), lightly toasted
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely diced celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried sage
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving
Cranberry sauce or turkey gravy for dipping
Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Cut bread into small cubes and lightly toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until slightly crisp.
Set aside to cool.
2. Saute Aromatics
In a skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and celery; saute for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, egg, and ¼ cup broth.
Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined and moist but not soggy.
If it feels dry, add a bit more broth (1 tbsp at a time).
4. Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the mixture into balls (about golf-ball size).
Place them on the baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
5. Serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or rosemary.
Pair with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a yogurt-herb dip for extra flavor.
Tips
Use stuffing mix or breadcrumbs if you don’t have bread cubes on hand.
Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.
For a richer flavor, mix half turkey and half ground chicken or sausage.
You can form them ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I air-fry these stuffing balls?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Absolutely — freeze baked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Q: What can I serve with them?
They pair wonderfully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a light green salad.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g