Ever get tired of the same old holiday leftovers? You know, the plate with a sad scoop of stuffing next to a dry piece of turkey. I’ve been there, staring into my fridge, wishing for something better.
That’s why I came up with these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They take all the best flavors of a holiday dinner and roll them into one perfect bite. They’re easy, they’re delicious, and they will completely change how you think about leftovers.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple stuff you probably already have, especially after a big holiday meal. Don’t worry about exact measurements for everything; cooking should be fun, not a science experiment.
- 1 lb ground turkey (or leftover turkey, finely chopped)
- 1 box (6 oz) of your favorite stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (maybe a little more)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this. Just the basics will do the job perfectly.
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional, but super helpful!)
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s the simple plan to get these amazing stuffing balls on your table. It’s pretty hard to mess this up.
Step 1: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook them until they’re soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Grab a big mixing bowl. Dump in the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, the cooked onion and celery, beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour in about half of the broth. Now get your hands in there and mix it all together. If it feels too dry, add more broth a little bit at a time until it holds together.
Step 5: Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. A cookie scoop helps make them all the same size so they cook evenly. Place them on your baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
Pro Tips
After making these a thousand times, I’ve learned a few things. Here are some tips to make sure yours turn out great on the first try.
- Don’t Overmix: When you mix the ground turkey, be gentle. If you work it too much, the meat gets tough and rubbery. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Get a Good Sear: For extra flavor and a nice crust, sear the balls in a hot skillet with a little oil for a minute on each side before baking. It makes a huge difference.
- Taste Before You Bake: Cook a tiny piece of the mixture in your skillet to check the seasoning. This is your only chance to add more salt, pepper, or herbs before you cook them all.
- Wet Your Hands: The mixture can be sticky. Keep a small bowl of water nearby and wet your hands before rolling each ball. It stops the mix from sticking to you.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is super flexible. You can swap things out based on what you like or what you have in the kitchen.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Ground chicken, pork, or sausage | Changes the flavor profile. Sausage adds extra spice and fat. |
| Stuffing Mix | 2 cups of breadcrumbs or crumbled cornbread | Gives you control over the herbs and seasonings. |
| Dried Cranberries | Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or fresh apple | Adds a different kind of sweetness or tartness. |
Here are a few other ideas to change things up:
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for a cheesy kick.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeño to the mix.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary, chop them up and throw them in. They add a fresh flavor that dried herbs can’t match.
Make-Ahead Tips
These are perfect for making ahead of time, which is great for parties or busy weeknights.
You can mix and roll the balls, then place them on a baking sheet and cover them. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
You can also freeze them. Place the unbaked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. You can bake them right from frozen, just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Info and Meal Pairings
It’s good to have an idea of what you’re eating. The nutritional info can change based on your ingredients, but this is a rough guess.
| Nutritional Information (per ball) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 85 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 8 g |
| Fat | ~ 3 g |
These stuffing balls are great on their own, but they’re even better with the right sides.
| Meal Pairing Suggestions | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|
| Gravy | A classic for a reason! Perfect for dipping. |
| Mashed Potatoes | The creamy texture goes great with the hearty stuffing balls. |
| Steamed Green Beans | A simple, healthy side that adds a nice crunch. |
| Cranberry Sauce | Doubles down on the cranberry flavor and adds a sweet and tart kick. |
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow have leftovers, they are easy to store and reheat.
Let the balls cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too, but they might get a little soft. The best way is in an air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?
Ans: Yes! Just chop about 2 cups of cooked turkey very finely and mix it in. Since the turkey is already cooked, you might need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
Q2. My stuffing balls are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
Ans: This usually means the mixture is too dry or doesn’t have enough binder. Try adding a little more broth or another egg to help everything stick together.
Q3. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Ans: Absolutely. Place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
Wrapping Up
This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and tastes like a special occasion meal. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or just make something fun and different for dinner.
Give these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a try. I promise you’ll love them. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below! I’d love to hear if you tried any fun variations.
