Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe – Festive Holiday Appetizer or Side Dish
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday side dish or appetizer—juicy, savory, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Made with ground turkey, herbed stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries, they’re rolled into bite-sized portions and baked until golden. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas gatherings, they’re easy to prep ahead and serve with gravy or cranberry sauce. Whether as a main dish alternative or a fun twist on stuffing, these bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded, chopped, or ground)
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (moist, not dry)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped fresh cranberries
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheese, chopped nuts, or 1 tbsp gravy or broth (if mixture is too dry)
Instructions
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, cranberries, egg, herbs, and optional add-ins. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form golf ball-sized portions. Roll tightly and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crunch.
- Serve: Plate with gravy, cranberry sauce, or aioli. Garnish with herbs or pomegranate seeds.
Notes
- Chill the mixture before baking to prevent crumbling.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions and consistent cooking.
- Bake on parchment for easy cleanup and crispy bottoms.
- Make ahead and freeze uncooked balls for holiday prep.
- Try variations with sausage, apples, jalapeños, or goat cheese.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain texture.