When the holidays roll around, I’m always looking for recipes that deliver both comfort and flair — and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls do exactly that. They take all the flavors we crave in Thanksgiving stuffing — juicy turkey, tart cranberries, golden breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs — and pack them into perfectly portioned bites. Each one is crisp on the outside, tender inside, and absolutely bursting with cozy holiday flavor. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or starting from scratch, these little bites will steal the show. This is one you’ll want to pin for every festive season!
Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ Easy to make-ahead — perfect for stress-free Thanksgiving hosting.
- 🥰 Comforting, savory flavor with hints of cranberry sweetness.
- 🦃 Ideal for leftover turkey — no waste, just delicious reinvention.
- 🍴 Perfect for entertaining — bite-sized, mess-free, and crowd-pleasing.
- 🔥 Bakes golden and crisp without deep frying.
- 🍂 Freezer-friendly — make now, bake later for holiday simplicity.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 stuffing balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (or finely chopped cooked turkey)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use seasoned or plain)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Base In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to blend those aromatic herbs and veggies.
- Add the Turkey & Cranberries Fold in the ground (or cooked) turkey and fresh cranberries. Pour in the chicken broth and crack in the eggs. Stir until the mixture is moist but holds together — it should feel soft and slightly sticky.
- Form the Balls Wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
- Bake to Golden Perfection Drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the edges. The aroma will tell you when they’re ready — savory, herbaceous, and irresistible.
- Serve & Enjoy Let them rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate bite of holiday bliss.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mix for a gooey surprise inside.
- Maple-Glazed: Brush the baked balls with maple syrup for a sweet-savory holiday twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a heat lovers’ version.
- Herb-Loaded: Double up on sage and thyme or add rosemary for a fragrant stuffing vibe.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Keep your hands damp when rolling the mixture — it prevents sticking and helps form perfect rounds.
- Use cooked leftover turkey for a quick shortcut — just pulse it in a food processor before mixing.
- Make ahead: Form the balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Form them a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving for that freshly baked crunch. - Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes — just soak them in warm broth or water for 10 minutes to rehydrate and soften before mixing. - Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A: Be sure your mixture is moist but firm — the eggs and breadcrumbs work as natural binders. - Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Definitely! Freeze baked or unbaked. They reheat beautifully in the oven — perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls capture everything you love about Thanksgiving in one savory, handheld bite. They’re tender, flavorful, and bursting with that cozy, nostalgic aroma of herbs and roast turkey. Whether you serve them as a holiday side, a party appetizer, or a creative way to use leftovers, they’re guaranteed to impress. Save this recipe to your Fall or Holiday Appetizer board — you’ll want it on repeat every season!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Savory, Festive & Comforting Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
Description
Savory, festive, and easy — these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine turkey, cranberries, herbs, and breadcrumbs into perfect holiday bites. A comforting Thanksgiving side or appetizer that’s baked golden and ready to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix breadcrumbs, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add turkey, cranberries, eggs, and broth; mix until just combined.
- Form into 1–1½ inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving with cranberry sauce or gravy.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked stuffing balls up to 24 hours. To freeze, arrange on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen with 5 extra minutes of cook time. Perfect for holiday prep!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: thanksgiving side dish, holiday appetizer, turkey leftovers, cranberry stuffing balls