Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer to your holiday prayers.
They bring all the flavors of a big feast into one tiny bite. You get savory turkey, sweet berries, and golden, crispy edges in every mouthful. Your family will love how fun they are to eat.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total lifesaver during the busy holiday season. It is perfect for using leftovers after a big Thanksgiving meal. You can transform yesterday’s dinner into a fresh, exciting appetizer.
The prep is simple and the results look very impressive. Kids love the small size and the handheld shape. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a hungry crowd easily.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these bites is as simple as mixing and rolling. You just combine your ingredients in one big bowl. The egg and gravy act as the perfect binder for the balls.
Even if you are a beginner, you can do this. The mixture is very easy to handle. You will have a tray ready for the oven in just twenty minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge during the holidays.
- 4 cups prepared herb-seasoned stuffing
- 1.5 cups cooked turkey, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberries, celery, and onion in a large bowl.
- Whisk egg, gravy (or broth), and melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Pour liquids over the stuffing and add sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix by hand until the mixture holds its shape when squeezed.
- Roll 2 tablespoons of mixture into firm 1.5-inch balls.
- Place balls on the tray, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm with a side of extra turkey gravy for dipping. They also taste wonderful with a dollop of zesty cranberry sauce. Set them out on a pretty platter for your holiday guests to enjoy.
If you have leftovers, they make a great lunch the next day. Pair them with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. They are truly the ultimate comfort food bite.
Storage & Reheating
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the baked balls for later use.
To reheat, use your oven or an air fryer. This helps the outside stay nice and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden crunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking to let them set.
- Chop the cranberries finely so they distribute evenly in every bite.
- Use your hands to mix so you can feel the texture.
- Add a splash more broth if the mixture feels too dry.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch because they disappear fast!
- Ensure your turkey is finely shredded for the best ball shape.
- Lightly grease your hands to prevent the stuffing from sticking.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the turkey for cooked chicken for an all-season snack.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free stuffing mix to make these diet-friendly.
- Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy twist.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can roll the balls a day early. Keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This is a huge time-saver for parties.
What if I don’t have leftover gravy?
You can easily use chicken or vegetable broth instead. It provides the necessary moisture without changing the flavor too much. Both options work beautifully.
Will picky eaters like these?
Most kids love these because they are fun to dip. The flavors are familiar and mild. They are always a hit at my family gatherings.
I hope these savory little bites bring a bit of joy to your holiday table. They are so simple to make and even more fun to share with those you love. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 4 cups prepared herb-seasoned stuffing
- 1.5 cups cooked turkey, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery , finely diced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 large egg , beaten
- 1/2 cup turkey gravy or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, shredded turkey, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, gravy or broth, and melted butter.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the stuffing mixture and add sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly by hand until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds its shape when squeezed.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a firm ball, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the exteriors are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
