Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want bite-sized, flavorful stuffing. Sweet, savory, and moist on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Here’s a step-by-step recipe:
🦃 Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Bake: 25–30 minutes
- Total: ~50 minutes
🍽️ Serves
4–6 (makes ~20–24 balls depending on size)
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (white or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh sage (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chicken or turkey broth
🔪 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Cook aromatics
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, celery, and garlic; sauté until soft (~5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine stuffing mixture
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Bread cubes
- Cooked turkey
- Dried cranberries
- Sautéed vegetables
- Salt, pepper, thyme, sage
- Add eggs and broth gradually.
- Mix gently until moist but not soggy.
Step 4: Form balls
- Scoop about 2 tbsp of mixture and roll into a ball.
- Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat until all mixture is used.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Optional: brush with a little melted butter halfway through for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm as a side dish for turkey, roast chicken, or even alongside mashed potatoes.
💡 Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Dry bread works best—stale or lightly toasted bread absorbs moisture without turning mushy.
- If mixture feels too dry, add a bit more broth.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack set on the baking sheet.
- Can be made ahead: form balls, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.