Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Name: Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 2 cups stuffing mix; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 egg, beaten

December 30, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls served on a festive plate

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Delight in Every Bite: Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

The holiday season means warmth, togetherness, and, most importantly, delightful food that brings a smile to every face gathered around the table. Picture the inviting aroma of roasted turkey wafting through your home, mingling with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce and the comforting scent of freshly cooked stuffing. As you embark on this culinary adventure, your kitchen becomes a sanctuary, enveloping you in a sense of nostalgia and serene satisfaction. The star of your festive gathering? These delectable Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—bite-sized delights that celebrate the essence of your holiday feast while incorporating leftover turkey in the most delicious way possible.

Imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces as they savor these fragrant morsels, warmed to perfection and bursting with flavor. Their golden-brown exteriors promise a delightful crunch, while each bite reveals the moist, savory goodness of turkey, cranberry, and cozy spices. Perfect for your Thanksgiving table or even as an ordinary weeknight delight, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls become a cherished thrifty tradition that you’ll want to keep passing down to future generations.

What You’ll Need

Creating these mouthwatering Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is a breeze, and with just a few simple, wholesome ingredients, you’ll find yourself on the right track to culinary bliss. Let’s dive into the essentials for this comforting recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
2 cups stuffing mix
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 egg, beaten

Tools

To craft these joyfully savory treats, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet or dish
Spatula
Cutting board and knife

How to Make It

The journey to crafting your own Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is simple and rewarding. The method unfolds in delightful steps, guiding you from fresh ingredients to warm, golden bites that will undoubtedly capture hearts and appetites alike.

Prep the Base

Start by preheating your oven to a warm and inviting 375°F (190°C). As the air grows slightly warmer, gather your ingredients. Picture the vibrant colors as you lay out the shredded turkey—pale golden strands that shimmer with promise—next to the bright, jewel-like cranberry sauce. The rich tones of stained stuffing mix sit beside the fresh greens of chopped celery and parsley, making this preparation feel especially joyous.

In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, celery, onion, parsley, sage, salt, and black pepper. The moment you bring these together, you’ll notice the clashing aromas mingling—sharp, fresh herbs entwined with warm, savory notes, punctuated by the sweet tang of cranberries. The colors harmonize beautifully, inviting you to dig in and embrace the artistry of this mix.

Build the Flavor

With the ingredients harmoniously blended, it’s time for the magic of moisture to work its charm. Pour in the chicken broth, adding a gentle slosh that speaks of warmth and comfort. Follow this with a beaten egg, almost like a symbol of unity for these ingredients as they become one cohesive mixture.

Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together thoroughly yet gently. You’ll feel the contrasting textures in your hands: the chewy turkey, fluffy stuffing, crisp celery, and luscious cranberry. As they meld into a uniform mix, the aromas intensify, igniting your anticipation for the deliciousness to come.

Form & Bake

Once your mixture is well-combined, it’s time to form your stuffing balls. Grabbing generous palmfuls of your flavorful mix, shape them gently into small, cohesive balls. Picture the satisfaction as they take shape, their texture slightly tacky yet molded with care. Place them carefully on a baking sheet, setting the stage for them to puff and crisp in the oven.

Now, slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven, and let the magic unfold. As they bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, you’re sure to be lured by the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen. That beautiful golden-brown hue will emerge, suggesting that delightful crunch awaits your first bite. As the timer dings, don’t rush—let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the patience will be rewarded tenfold.

Serve Warm

Gather your loved ones around a lovely serving platter, and let the compliments roll in as you present your warm Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. The golden exteriors shine under the kitchen lights, promising that every bite will be packed with comfort and flavor. With each crunch, you’ll hear satisfied murmurs of delight as flavors dance in their mouths, blending the savory turkey, aromatic herbs, and sweet cranberry in perfect harmony.

Creative Twists

While our original Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are delectable as-is, a touch of creativity can elevate them to truly memorable heights. Here are a few fun variations:

Seasonal Swap: Try incorporating roasted pumpkin or butternut squash during autumn for a color-rich, seasonal twist, or chop fresh dill and incorporate lemons for a refreshing summer zest.
Flavor Upgrade: Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the sweetness of cranberries, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami depth.
Protein Substitution: Feel free to swap out turkey for cooked chicken, duck, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or black beans to create a vegetarian option bursting with flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for a colorful splash and extra nutrition, giving these savory bites an even heartier texture.

Final Inspiration

As you gather around the table to savor those delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, remember this experience is more than about food. It’s about the laughter, the shared moments, and the creating of memories with those you cherish most. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and togetherness.

Whether you’re sharing them during a cherished holiday gathering or simply enjoying them at home on a Tuesday evening, these little delights are as versatile as they are comforting. I encourage you to make this recipe your own, to embrace creativity, and to pass the joy of cooking down through generations. Your kitchen is about to become the heart of your home, filled with warmth, love, and mouthwatering memories one Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Ball at a time.

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