Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you’re looking for a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, I’m excited to share my recipe for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls! These little bites are not only packed with flavor but also bring a beautiful balance of sweetness from the cranberries and savory goodness from the turkey. They make an excellent side dish or even a hearty main course if you’re feeling adventurous.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm, mouth-watering dish ready in no time. Plus, they are great for meal prep—just make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and fuss, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: These tasty bites are sure to please both kids and adults alike at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of turkey and cranberries creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course—whatever suits your meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking so rewarding! For these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even quinoa for a vegetarian option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for more nutrients.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for added freshness.
• Make it spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffing balls will bake evenly and become golden brown.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and onion. This blend creates a flavorful base that will soak up all the delicious juices as they bake.

Step 3: Mix the Turkey Mixture

In another bowl, combine the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients well is key because it infuses each bite with savory goodness.

Step 4: Form Balls

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the turkey mixture to your bowl of bread cubes and gently mix until combined. Shape into 1½-inch balls—this size is perfect for baking through while still being easy to handle—and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Pop those beautiful stuffing balls into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown; this will ensure they’re perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.

Enjoy making these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls! They’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Creating the perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use Stale Bread Cubes: Using stale or day-old bread cubes helps to absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings better, resulting in a more flavorful stuffing ball.

• Chill the Mixture: After mixing your ingredients, allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into balls and help them hold together during baking.

• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste your mixture before forming the balls. Adjusting seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs ensures that your stuffing balls are perfectly seasoned.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Consider adding chopped nuts, diced apples, or even different dried fruits for a unique twist that suits your palate.

• Check for Doneness: To ensure your stuffing balls are cooked through, use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they’re safe and delicious!

How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Serving up these delightful stuffing balls can transform any meal into a festive occasion. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a hearty main course. Here are some exciting ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce on each ball gives a sweet-tart contrast that enhances their taste.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection complements the stuffing balls while providing vibrant nutrition.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and slightly sweet, mashed sweet potatoes are an excellent pairing that brings out the flavors in the turkey stuffing balls.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffing.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs and vegetables adds a nutritious element to your meal while balancing out the flavors beautifully.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your dining experience but also impress family and friends at any gathering! Enjoy creating memorable meals with these tasty Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious creations fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them if you’re short on time, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Got questions about these tasty treats? Here are some answers!

Can I make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer as outlined above. Just reheat before serving!

What can I substitute for ground turkey in Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?

You can use ground chicken or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or chickpeas if you’d like a vegetarian version. Just ensure that any substitution has similar moisture content.

How long do Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other ingredients to my Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, herbs like parsley or rosemary, or even some diced apples for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these cozy Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!