Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

The aroma of roasted turkey wafts through the air, mingling with savory herbs and sweet cranberries, creating a symphony of scents that beckon you to the dinner table. Picture this: tender turkey mingled with tart cranberries, all rolled up into delightful little stuffing balls that burst with flavor at every bite. These are not just any stuffing balls; these are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, destined to steal the show at your next holiday gathering or family feast.

Let’s be honest—every family has its favorite festive dish. For me, it’s these irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. I remember my first attempt at making them; I accidentally added too much sage and ended up smelling like a Thanksgiving herb garden for a week. But once you nail this recipe, trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds (and possibly thirds) while trying to decipher your secret ingredient—spoiler alert: it’s love!).

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

• Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey; it keeps the stuffing light while still being packed with protein.
• Fresh Cranberries: These little gems add a tartness that perfectly balances the savory turkey.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to give structure to your stuffing balls.
• Sage and Thyme: Fresh or dried herbs work wonders in enhancing the flavor profile of these delightful bites.
• Onion and Garlic: Sautéed until golden, they add depth and aroma that will make your taste buds dance.
• Eggs: Binding everything together, eggs provide moisture and help form those perfect little balls.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves until they become fragrant and translucent. This step is crucial; trust me, no one wants crunchy onion bits in their stuffing balls!

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine one pound of ground turkey, sautéed onions and garlic, one cup of fresh cranberries (chopped), two cups of breadcrumbs, two teaspoons of dried sage, one teaspoon of thyme, and two beaten eggs. Use your hands—yes, get in there! It’s satisfying.

Step 4: Form Your Stuffing Balls

Using about two tablespoons of mixture per ball, roll them gently between your palms until they are perfectly round. Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet like little soldiers ready for battle.

Step 5: Bake Away

Pop those glorious stuffing balls into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Step 6: Serve Warm

Take them out of the oven and let them rest for five minutes before serving. They’ll be hot enough to burn your tongue otherwise! Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping if you’re feeling fancy.

And there you have it! Transfer those delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls onto plates as if you were presenting an award-winning dish at a cooking competition. Your guests will marvel at your culinary prowess while secretly wondering how you pulled off such magic without setting off the smoke alarm—unless that’s just me!

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft, then add your ground turkey and cook until browned. Next, mix in your herbs, spices, and cranberries before combining with bread crumbs. Finally, form into balls and bake until golden brown for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the turkey for chicken or a meat alternative if you’re going vegetarian. Try adding nuts for crunch or different dried fruits like apricots for a unique twist that will keep everyone guessing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again.

I remember making these stuffing balls for Thanksgiving when my cousin declared them “the star of the show.” Who knew a simple recipe could steal hearts and appetites?

FAQs 

What are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive dish made from a mixture of turkey, bread crumbs, herbs, and cranberries. These savory bites combine classic stuffing flavors with the sweetness of cranberries, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Typically served as an appetizer or side dish, they offer a unique twist on traditional stuffing. Whether baked or fried, these balls are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Their delightful texture and flavor make them a favorite among guests during Thanksgiving and other celebrations.

How do I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, start by cooking ground turkey in a skillet until browned. Combine it with bread crumbs, sautéed onions, celery, fresh herbs, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Add eggs to bind the mixture and season with salt and pepper. fresh salad option Form the mixture into small balls and bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or gravy for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

Can I prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients together and form the balls as instructed. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to entertain guests without feeling rushed on the day of your event. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge for a quick and delicious appetizer.

What sauces pair well with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. A classic choice is gravy, which adds richness to each bite. For a tangy contrast, consider serving them with cranberry sauce or even barbecue sauce for an unexpected twist. You can also try ranch dressing or honey mustard for added flavor. These sauces enhance the overall experience and allow guests to customize their taste preferences.

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a flavorful addition to any holiday spread or gathering. They combine savory turkey with sweet cranberries, creating a unique taste that delights everyone at the table. Easy to prepare ahead of time, these stuffing balls can be baked fresh when needed. With various dipping sauces available, they cater to different tastes while remaining a festive favorite. Try making these delectable bites at your next celebration; they are sure to impress your guests!

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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Author: Sarah Mitchell
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings (36 stuffing balls) 1x

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Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive twist on traditional stuffing, perfectly balancing savory ground turkey with the tartness of fresh cranberries. These delightful bites are easy to prepare and ideal for any holiday gathering, as they can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. With their vibrant flavors and appealing presentation, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into small balls using about two tablespoons per ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with additional cranberry sauce if desired.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls (120g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 140mg