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- 1 pound ground turkey - 2 cups stale bread, cubed - 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried) The main ingredients in cranberry turkey stuffing balls create a tasty base. Ground turkey gives them protein and a nice flavor. Stale bread adds texture and helps bind the mixture. Cranberries bring sweetness and a pop of color. You can use fresh or dried cranberries, depending on what you have. - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon sage - 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder Flavor enhancers make these stuffing balls exciting. Celery and onion bring a great aroma. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Thyme and sage give depth to the taste. Garlic powder adds a savory kick. Each ingredient works together to create a warm, inviting flavor profile. - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor) - Salt and pepper to taste Binding agents hold the stuffing balls together. The egg helps bind everything while adding moisture. Chicken broth boosts flavor, but vegetable broth is a great choice for a lighter dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Adjust these to suit your taste buds. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps keep the stuffing balls from sticking. 2. In a large skillet, add a splash of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want them soft and clear, not brown. 1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the sautéed onion and celery. 2. Next, add the cubed stale bread and cranberries. Toss in the chopped parsley, dried thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix. You want a nice blend without a mushy mix. 1. With clean hands, form the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet. 2. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tops of the stuffing balls. This adds moisture and helps them crisp up while baking. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. 4. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these tasty bites! To make great stuffing balls, avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can lead to tough balls. Mix just until everything is combined. The ideal size for stuffing balls is around 1-2 inches in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and stay moist inside. You can add more flavor by using different herbs and spices. Consider adding rosemary or oregano for a fresh twist. You can also use different types of bread. Try sourdough or whole-grain bread for added texture and taste. For a beautiful presentation, serve the stuffing balls on a festive platter. Line the platter with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also pair them with homemade cranberry sauce. This adds a sweet and tart flavor that complements the stuffing perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries if available, as they provide a brighter flavor compared to dried ones. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to personalize the flavor profile. Keep Them Moist: If the mixture feels dry, add a bit more broth to ensure the stuffing balls stay moist during baking. Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze the uncooked balls. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can easily change the main protein in this dish. Swap ground turkey for ground chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or chickpeas. These swaps keep the flavor while adding variety. Also, feel free to use different dried fruits or nuts. Instead of cranberries, try raisins, apricots, or even chopped apples. For nuts, walnuts or pecans work great. These changes add new textures and tastes. Adding spices can kick up the flavor. Try cumin for a warm note or paprika for a smoky twist. These spices blend well with the other ingredients and make your stuffing balls unique. You can also experiment with different bread types. Use sourdough for a tangy flavor or whole grain for added health benefits. Each bread type brings its own character to the dish. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. This keeps the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also find gluten-free breadcrumbs for a quick swap. For dairy-free modifications, skip the egg. You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder. This keeps the texture while making the dish dairy-free. Adjusting these ingredients ensures everyone can enjoy your cranberry turkey stuffing balls. To keep your cranberry turkey stuffing balls fresh, store them properly. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors. You can chill them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This prevents moisture build-up, which can cause sogginess. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, the best method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispy outside and soft inside. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often to avoid drying out. Freezing cranberry turkey stuffing balls is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag or airtight container. They can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven to restore their texture. Yes, you can make these stuffing balls ahead of time! Here’s how: - Mix the ingredients: Follow the recipe up to the point of forming the balls. - Shape the balls: Form the mixture into balls, but do not bake them yet. - Storage: Place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Baking: When ready, bake them straight from the fridge. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly. These stuffing balls pair well with many sides: - Green beans: Lightly sautéed or steamed for a crisp texture. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they balance the savory stuffing. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash add color and flavor. - Cranberry sauce: A sweet-tart sauce enhances the stuffing’s flavors. - Gravy: Pouring some gravy over the stuffing balls adds richness. Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Here are some pros and cons: - Pros: Fresh herbs add bright flavor and vibrant color. They may also have more aroma than dried herbs. - Cons: Fresh herbs have a shorter shelf life and may require more quantity. For example, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. Overall, both options work well, so choose based on what you have on hand! In this article, we explored making tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls. We covered ingredients like ground turkey, cranberries, and herbs for flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and baking. I shared tips to perfect the texture and flavor. Variations help you customize for dietary needs. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now, you have the tools to create your own delicious stuffing. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this recipe your own.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delicious turkey stuffing balls with cranberries, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups stale bread, cubed
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for drizzling olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion and celery until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onion and celery, cubed bread, cranberries, parsley, thyme, sage, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
  • Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth, mixing everything gently with your hands or a spatula until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  • With your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the stuffing balls for added moisture and crispiness during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a festive platter lined with fresh parsley or alongside homemade cranberry sauce.
Keyword cranberry, holiday, stuffing, turkey