Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious twist on traditional stuffing, combining savory turkey with the tartness of fresh cranberries. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these bite-sized treats bring festive flavor to any meal. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, fresh cranberries, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, celery, garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and chicken broth to the mixture, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Step 4: Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
5. Step 5: Place the stuffing balls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a little melted butter to the mixture before shaping the balls.
• Mix in chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for an herbaceous touch.
• Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but soak them briefly in warm water to soften.
• Serve with a side of cranberry sauce or your favorite gravy for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. They also freeze well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded turkey. Just mix it well with the other ingredients and adjust the moisture level if needed, adding a bit more broth to help bind the mixture.

Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

Traditional breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, combining lean ground turkey with fresh cranberries and aromatic herbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer or side dish for holiday meals, they’re packed with flavor and easy to make.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffing balls evenly.
2. Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your stuffing balls.
3. Add the Turkey: Add the ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth to the stuffing mixture. Combine thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a cohesive mixture that can be shaped.
4. Form the Balls: Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter, ensuring they are compact so they hold their shape while baking.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet and place the stuffing balls on it, spacing them evenly to allow heat circulation and even browning. Drizzle or brush a little olive oil over the balls to help achieve a golden crust.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffing balls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should become golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving. They make an excellent appetizer or accompaniment to your meal.

Notes

• For extra moisture, you can add a little more chicken broth if the mixture feels too dry while forming balls.
• Fresh cranberries can be substituted with dried ones soaked in warm water if fresh are unavailable.
• Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley for additional flavor and color.
• Leftover stuffing balls can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Ensure ground turkey is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, baked stuffing balls, ground turkey recipes, cranberry recipes, festive side dishes