Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

When Festivity Meets Flavor

There’s something utterly special about combining flavors for the holidays, especially when it involves sweet and savory notes. The Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls represent a delightful fusion that will surely impress family and friends at any gathering. Not only are they rich in flavor, but they also capture the essence of the season with their vibrant colors and heartwarming taste. I’ve made them for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, and even family brunches, and each time they’ve been met with enthusiastic compliments.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you consider adding these stuffing balls to your next holiday menu? First off, they are incredibly versatile. These little bites are perfect as a side dish, a main course, or even as a delicious appetizer. Their blend of ground turkey and sweetened dried cranberries brings a unique twist that’s sure to please.

These stuffing balls are also budget-friendly and made with primarily pantry-staple ingredients. With a cooking time of just about 30 minutes, you can whip them up when unexpected guests arrive or as a quick weeknight dinner.

"I made these for our family Christmas dinner, and everyone was raving about them! They’re so easy to make and bursting with flavor." — Sarah T.

Preparing Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Preparing these stuffing balls is straightforward and rewarding. In essence, you’ll mix savory ingredients with sweet cranberries, form them into balls, and bake until perfectly golden. Here’s how to get started:

What You’ll Need

To make these festive cranberry turkey stuffing balls, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey (lean, for healthier options)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or apricots for a sweeter touch)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, add the beaten eggs, and mix in the chopped parsley. Stir until fully combined.

4. Shape the Balls: Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.

5. Bake: Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve: Enjoy hot as a side dish or with your main meal!

Tips for Serving

Wondering how to turn these stuffing balls into the star of the show? Here are some great ideas:

• Pair with Dips: Serve them with cranberry sauce, a yogurt-based dip, or even a spicy mustard for an added flavor punch.
• Festive Garnish: Revive your presentation with fresh parsley or chives. A simple sprig can elevate the dish visually.
• Complementary Sides: These stuffing balls go beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness.

Best Way to Store Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious stuffing balls, proper storage can help retain their mouthwatering flavors:

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven for crispiness, or microwave them for a quick option. Ensure they’re heated to 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Pro Chef Tips

• Boost Flavor: Consider browning the onion and garlic in a skillet before adding to the mixture. It enhances flavor depth.
• Test for Seasoning: Feel free to taste the mixture before forming the balls; it’s a great way to adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your stuffing balls tender and moist.

Creative Twists

Looking to shake things up a bit? Here are some delicious variations to consider:

• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Herb Swaps: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for a fragrant alternative.
• Cheese Lovers: Incorporate grated cheese such as parmesan for an added creaminess.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prep and cook these stuffing balls?

The entire process, from preparation to baking, takes about an hour, with 25-30 minutes in the oven.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them before baking. They can be baked right before serving.

What other ingredients can I substitute?

Ground turkey can be replaced with chicken, pork, or even a meat alternative. Dried cranberries can also be swapped with other dried fruits to match your taste.

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only easy to make, but they also bring a heartwarming touch to any meal. With their rich flavors and delightful texture, they are bound to become a staple in your holiday repertoire. Enjoy the process of making them and, even more, enjoy sharing them with those you care about. Happy cooking!

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

Delicious and versatile stuffing balls filled with ground turkey and dried cranberries, perfect for any holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, add the beaten eggs, and mix in the chopped parsley. Stir until fully combined.
4. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
5. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve hot as a side dish or with your main meal.

Notes

These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Pair with cranberry sauce or yogurt-based dips for an enhanced flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffing balls, turkey recipe, holiday appetizer, cranberry dish, festive food