Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Nothing quite captures the essence of holiday comfort food like warm, savory stuffing balls, and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls take that experience to a whole new level. Growing up, my family always had a special place at the table for turkey and stuffing, particularly around Thanksgiving. But let’s face it – sometimes we have turkey leftovers and no clue what to do with them! That’s where this recipe shines. These delightful morsels blend shredded turkey with savory stuffing, zesty cranberry sauce, and aromatic herbs, making them the perfect way to celebrate flavors we love. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal option for both family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners.

Why make this recipe

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just delicious; they are a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey while adding a delightful twist with cranberry sauce. You’ll find that they’re budget-friendly and can be prepped in under an hour, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether it’s an impromptu family gathering or a holiday feast, these stuffing balls not only bring convenience but also a warm, nostalgic taste to your table.

“You would never guess these are made from leftovers! The balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberry is just perfect.”

How to make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is as easy as 1-2-3. This simple guide walks you through the entire process, ensuring that even novice cooks can succeed:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine your ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the turkey shines through.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls, bake, and voilà!

Ready to get started? Let’s gather everything you’ll need!

Ingredients

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up these delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you will need the following:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups stuffing mix
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 egg

Feel free to mix things up a bit! You can substitute the turkey with chicken or even a plant-based option for a vegetarian twist.

Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s a clear, concise method to make your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together shredded turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, chopped celery, onion, parsley, garlic powder, thyme, and the egg.
3. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add chicken broth until you reach a moist but cohesive consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
7. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish.

How to serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Creative Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving these stuffing balls, the possibilities are endless! They work wonderfully as a holiday appetizer, served alongside a cranberry dipping sauce, or with a dollop of gravy. Pair them with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that balances out all those flavors. For a cozy family gathering, consider serving them with a side of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce – the ultimate comfort food combo!

How to store

Best Way to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

To keep your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze beautifully! For freezing, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to make

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results when making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, make sure your turkey is well-shredded for even mixing. If you prefer a little crunch, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture. Additionally, if you’d like a more gourmet twist, try infusing some herbs like rosemary or sage into your stuffing mix for extra aroma and flavor.

Variations

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Consider swapping in different types of bread for your stuffing mix or add in spices like cumin or paprika for a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are many excellent gluten-free stuffing mixes available. You could also incorporate various vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to make them more colorful and nutrient-rich.

Common Questions

Your Questions Answered

1. Can I use fresh turkey instead of cooked?
Yes, you can boil or roast a turkey breast and then shred it for this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing.

2. How do I ensure the stuffing balls don’t fall apart?
Be sure to add enough egg and moisture into your mixture, and allow them to bake long enough to set.

3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the mixture a day in advance, refrigerate it, and roll them into balls when you’re ready to bake.

With this guide, you’ll make the most out of your turkey leftovers with these delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Enjoy the flavors of the season in every bite!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

These delightful stuffing balls blend shredded turkey with savory stuffing, zesty cranberry sauce, and aromatic herbs, perfect for utilizing leftover turkey.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups stuffing mix
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together shredded turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, chopped celery, onion, parsley, garlic powder, thyme, and the egg.
3. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add chicken broth until you reach a moist but cohesive consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
7. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.

Notes

For best results, ensure your turkey is well-shredded. You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch or infuse herbs like rosemary or sage for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: stuffing balls, turkey leftovers, holiday appetizer, Thanksgiving recipe, cranberry sauce