The moment you step into your kitchen, a wave of warm, savory aromas fills the air, instantly whisking you away to a cozy Thanksgiving feast. Imagine golden-brown Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, their crispy exterior giving way to soft, flavorful stuffing bursting with hints of sweetness and herbs—it’s the kind of dish that makes family gatherings feel like a warm hug. Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Roasted Orange Chicken Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies.
This recipe takes me back to my childhood when my grandmother would whip up her famous stuffing for our holiday dinners. I can still hear her laughter echoing through the house as we all eagerly awaited those delicious balls of joy. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful bites bring people together, making every meal feel like a special celebration.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The ease of preparation means you can whip these up in no time, even on busy days. The flavor profile balances sweet cranberries with savory turkey and spices, creating an explosion of taste. Their delightful golden color and round shape make them visually appealing on any plate. Versatile enough for appetizers or a side dish, they fit perfectly into any meal plan. [/info_box]
I once surprised my friends with these at a potluck, and they couldn’t get enough—everyone wanted the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for that tartness; frozen ones work too if fresh isn’t available.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
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Celery: Fresh celery brings crunch and balances the flavors nicely.
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Breadcrumbs: Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs to enhance flavors; homemade breadcrumbs add extra love.
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Poultry Seasoning: This blend elevates the stuffing; feel free to mix your favorite herbs too.
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Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, ensuring your stuffing balls hold their shape during cooking.
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Salt and Pepper: Always season your mixture generously; it brings everything together beautifully.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle before baking helps achieve that lovely crispy golden crust.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by finely chopping your onion and celery while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The aroma will kick off your cooking adventure!
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. You want them translucent but not browned.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, fresh cranberries, breadcrumbs, poultry seasoning, eggs, salt, and pepper. Greek Meatball Bowl Mix with your hands until well blended—the texture should be moist but not overly sticky.
Form Your Balls: With wet hands (to prevent sticking), form small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet; they should look like little savory ornaments ready for roasting!
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and smell heavenly.
Serve & Enjoy!: Let them cool slightly before serving. These beauties are perfect as appetizers or alongside your favorite main dishes—watch them disappear faster than you can say “stuffing!”
Now that you’ve mastered Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, get ready for compliments from everyone around the table! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for holiday feasts and family gatherings. Their delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste them. The texture is wonderfully crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish every time. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the stuffing mixture while preheating your oven to 375°F. Form the balls and bake until golden brown, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bread types or add ingredients like chopped nuts or herbs for a unique twist. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises in flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use day-old bread for better texture in your stuffing balls, as it absorbs moisture without becoming soggy. Don’t skimp on seasoning; fresh herbs elevate flavors significantly. Always let the mixture cool before forming balls, preventing burns and ensuring easier handling. [/info_box]
Sharing these stuffing balls with friends at potlucks has always brought smiles and compliments, reminding me of how food connects us all.
FAQ
What is the best type of bread for stuffing balls?
Use crusty bread or sourdough for a flavorful base that holds together well.
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate them overnight before baking for convenience.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and adjust other ingredients accordingly for a delicious alternative.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory ground turkey and sweet cranberries, making them a perfect addition to your holiday table or any gathering. With their crispy exterior and moist interior, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they bring warmth and joy to every meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, poultry seasoning, eggs, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- With wet hands, form the mixture into balls about 1-2 inches in diameter and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Let cool slightly before serving as appetizers or alongside your favorite main dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
