We have today a fantastic recipe that transforms your favorite holiday flavors into bite-sized perfection! These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey while creating something completely new and delicious. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with festive flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people (makes about 20 balls)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Holidays, potlucks, leftover makeover
What You’ll Need
Simple Ingredients:
- 2 cups of bread crumbs
- 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup of onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup of celery, diced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 large egg
How to Make These Delicious Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup so much easier!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, diced onion, celery, and fresh parsley. The colors will look beautiful together! Add your thyme, salt, and black pepper, then give everything a good stir.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in your chicken broth and crack in that egg. Now comes the fun part – mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and feels moist. If the mixture seems a bit dry, don’t worry! Just add a splash more broth until it holds together nicely.
Step 4: Roll Into Perfect Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop, take about 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time and gently roll it into a ball. Don’t pack them too tightly – you want them to stay tender! Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm little gems as a side dish or appetizer. They’re wonderful on their own, but even better with some gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping!
Helpful Tips for Success
- Make sure your turkey is well-shredded for the best texture
- Don’t skip chopping the cranberries – whole ones can make the balls fall apart
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried works too (use about 1 tablespoon)
- These taste even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead!
- For extra flavor, try using turkey drippings instead of chicken broth
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are fantastic for:
- Holiday parties and potlucks
- Thanksgiving leftovers makeover
- Christmas appetizer spreads
- Family dinners as a fun side dish
- Meal prep for the week ahead
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffing balls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Want More Delicious Recipes?
Check out our “60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple” eBook – packed with comfort food favorites like BBQ ribs, clam chowder, and jalapeño poppers!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates the perfect balance of flavors. The bread crumbs bind everything together while keeping the texture light and fluffy. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice any taste!
