Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive dish that brings together the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and sweet cranberries. They are easy to make and perfect for any holiday gathering or family dinner. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to use leftover turkey and stuffing, especially after Thanksgiving. The addition of cranberries adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of turkey and herbs. Plus, they are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy holidays.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 3 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing mix, chicken broth, chopped cranberries, celery, onion, thyme, black pepper, and parsley.
- Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Serve the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, as a main dish or a side dish. They pair well with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a simple salad. They can also be served as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
How to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
To store these stuffing balls, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- For extra flavor, add some spices or herbs, like rosemary or sage, to the mixture.
- If you want a crispy texture, broil them for a couple of minutes at the end of baking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dried cranberries based on your taste preferences.
Variation
You can switch up the recipe by adding different ingredients such as chopped nuts, diced apples, or even shredded cheese for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought stuffing?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought stuffing mix to save time!
2. What can I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture seems too dry, simply add a bit more chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them right before serving!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 3 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing mix, chicken broth, chopped cranberries, celery, onion, thyme, black pepper, and parsley.
- Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.