Looking for the perfect holiday side dish or appetizer? These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are packed with seasonal flavors and a delicious twist on traditional stuffing. Combining ground turkey, dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme, these stuffing balls are both savory and slightly sweet, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your holiday table. Whether served as a side dish or a fun appetizer, these stuffing balls are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any festive occasion.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You:
If you’re tired of the same old stuffing and want to add something unique to your holiday spread, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try. They’re portion-controlled, easy to serve, and pack all the flavors of classic stuffing with the added bonus of turkey and cranberries. This recipe is great for anyone looking to simplify holiday cooking without sacrificing taste, as it combines both protein and stuffing into one bite-sized treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and start preparing the stuffing mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and chopped onion. These ingredients will provide texture and bursts of flavor throughout the stuffing balls.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined. The ground turkey will add moisture and a savory element, while the herbs bring that classic holiday stuffing taste.
2. Combine and Form Balls
Once both mixtures are prepared, add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture. Using a spoon or your hands, mix everything together until it is well combined. The mixture should feel slightly moist but not too wet. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more chicken broth until you reach the right consistency.
Next, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place each stuffing ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Bake
Place the stuffing balls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
4. Serve
Once the stuffing balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or appetizer. These stuffing balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, and they can easily be paired with other traditional dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowls for preparing the turkey mixture and bread cube mixture
- Spoon or your hands to form the stuffing balls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips and Shortcuts:
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare these stuffing balls in advance and freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, try adding grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella to the turkey mixture. It will add a touch of richness to the stuffing balls.
- Using Pre-Stuffed Bread Cubes: If you use pre-seasoned bread cubes, you may want to adjust the amount of salt and seasoning in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
Recipe Swaps and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Different Meat: You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture before baking.
How to Store Leftovers:
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you want to freeze them, follow the make-ahead tip above by freezing the unbaked stuffing balls. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge and bake as directed.
Food and Drink Pairings:
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair perfectly with other traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, or a roasted vegetable medley. For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving them with a cranberry spritzer or a spiced apple cider to complement the sweetness of the cranberries.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a beef roast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I make these stuffing balls gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread cubes and use a gluten-free broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: You can, but fresh cranberries will release more moisture during baking. Be sure to chop them finely and reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly to compensate for the extra liquid.
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and gives a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
More Recipe Suggestions:
Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon and Parmesan
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Form Balls:
- Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and mix until well combined. The mixture should be slightly moist. If it feels too dry, add a little more chicken broth.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
- Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Serve:
- Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.
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