Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Thanksgiving spread with something both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh, let me introduce you to a personal favorite: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe. These little bites pack all the comforting flavors of turkey and stuffing with the bright zing of cranberries, perfect for transforming leftovers into a show-stopping dish. Crispy on the outside, tender and bursting with flavor on the inside, they’re irresistible whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side. Trust me, these stuffing balls will bring a fun, delicious twist to your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance texture, flavor, and color, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re using homemade stuffing or a trusty store-bought mix, these ingredients come together effortlessly to delight every taste bud.
- 2 cups cooked turkey: Finely chopped or shredded turkey provides the hearty protein base essential for heartwarming stuffing balls.
- 3 cups prepared stuffing: Use homemade or boxed stuffing; it gives that classic, savory foundation we all love.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brighten the dish beautifully.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binder to hold all the ingredients together for easy shaping.
- ¼ cup turkey or chicken broth: Adds moisture so the mixture isn’t dry and bakes up tender.
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage: Brings an earthy and traditional Thanksgiving aroma to each bite.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green and mild herbal brightness.
- Nonstick spray or olive oil for baking: Ensures the balls crisp up perfectly and don’t stick to the pan.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step sets you up for stress-free baking and a tidy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the finely chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, egg, ground sage, black pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every stuffing ball is packed with that amazing holiday flavor.
Step 3: Adjust Moisture
Check the texture of your mixture. If it feels a bit dry and crumbly, gradually stir in turkey or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time. The goal is a mix that holds together when pressed but isn’t soggy.
Step 4: Shape Your Stuffing Balls
Now for the fun part! Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly on the baking sheet, giving each enough room to crisp up on all sides.
Step 5: Prep for Baking
Lightly spritz or brush the tops of the balls with olive oil or nonstick spray. This step guarantees a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re heated through and have a beautiful light crisp on top. Serve them warm and watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can elevate these stuffing balls to next-level deliciousness. Try topping them with a dollop of creamy gravy or a drizzle of tangy cranberry sauce for added moisture and flavor contrast. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness too.
Side Dishes
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls pair splendidly with classic Thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or green bean casserole. They add a playful twist to the plate and complement a variety of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving these stuffing balls on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You could also place them atop mini salad greens or alongside bite-sized cranberry chutney cups to mix flavors and styles effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain flavorful and can be enjoyed as quick snacks or reheated additions to meals.
Freezing
These stuffing balls freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead holiday helper.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your stuffing balls in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain their crispy crust. You can also gently microwave them, though they might be less firm. Either way, you’ll have a comforting, delicious bite ready in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Just make sure it’s finely chopped or shredded for the best texture.
Can I make these stuffing balls vegetarian?
You can substitute the turkey with cooked mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead. The flavor will be different but still delicious and satisfying.
Is it necessary to add the egg?
The egg acts as a binder to help the balls hold their shape during baking. If you’re avoiding eggs, try a flax egg or another egg substitute, but keep an eye on the moisture level.
Can I bake these stuffing balls ahead of time?
You can prepare and shape the balls in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them ahead and reheat just before serving.
Can I pan-fry the stuffing balls instead of baking?
Yes, forming the stuffing mixture into patties and pan-frying will give you a beautifully crispy exterior and warm filling. Just cook over medium heat until golden on both sides.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a little extra joy and deliciousness to your holiday table, you can’t go wrong with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe. They’re a fantastic way to reinvent leftovers, impress your guests, and bring that warm, festive feeling we all love about Thanksgiving dinners. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite holiday treat!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Thanksgiving Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls 1x
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish made with leftover turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet dried cranberries. Baked to a golden crisp, they’re perfect for enjoying as a snack or part of your holiday meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup turkey or chicken broth (as needed for moisture)
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
For Baking
- Nonstick spray or olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, egg, ground sage, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients. If the mixture feels too dry to hold together, gradually add turkey or chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it can be shaped without crumbling.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even cooking. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil or nonstick spray to promote browning and crispness.
- Bake: Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tops develop a lightly crisp, golden finish.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These stuffing balls are excellent with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as a standalone appetizer for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Notes
- Perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey and stuffing.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for a convenient meal or snack later.
- Alternatively, form into patties and pan-fry for a crispy exterior.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more sage or pepper if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
