If you’re searching for a savory, slightly sweet finger food that brings together all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of Thanksgiving, look no further than these Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls. This recipe turns leftover turkey and stuffing into an irresistible bite-sized treat, studded with tart cranberries and finished with a glossy cranberry glaze. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving those comfort food flavors in a fun, shareable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls is in their simplicity: each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and the best, most satisfying texture. Grab these essentials and let’s make some magic happen!
- Cooked turkey, finely chopped: This adds heartiness and keeps the balls juicy and tender; leftover turkey works perfectly!
- Prepared stuffing: The classic herby bread base pulls everything together and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Dried cranberries: These little bursts of tart sweetness brighten every bite and provide beautiful color.
- Egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder to make sure the stuffing balls hold their shape while baking.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and just a touch of crispy golden color on the outside.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory note that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory, homey taste of the stuffing balls.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Cranberry sauce (optional, for glaze): Brings a glossy finish and a tangy punch if you want to amp up the cranberry vibes.
- Honey (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness that makes the glaze irresistible.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional): Lends a mild tang and helps thin the glaze for the perfect consistency.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls won’t stick and you’ll have zero cleanup worries later on! This quick step sets you up for success and gives your stuffing balls a just-right, crispy bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked turkey, three cups of prepared stuffing, and the dried cranberries. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together so each bite is full of flavor and texture. The cranberries bring a pop of color and a sweet-tart bite that really makes these Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls pop.
Step 3: Bind with Egg and Butter
Pour in the lightly beaten egg and drizzle in the melted butter. Now, dig in with a spoon or (clean) hands and mix until everything is well combined—the mixture should start to stick together easily. This binding step is what lets the stuffing balls hold their shape and bake up perfectly golden every time.
Step 4: Shape Into Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, grab about a golf-ball-sized portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You should get about 12–16 balls, depending on size. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd them—space allows the hot oven air to turn them deliciously crisp on the outside!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for a golden exterior and firm, well-heated centers. The aromas will signal just how delicious these Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls are about to be!
Step 6: Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended!)
If you’re feeling fancy, whip up the simple glaze: whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. With about five minutes left on the timer, brush each ball with this glaze. This step adds a beautiful sheen, more cranberry zing, and a mouthwatering sweet-savory finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let your Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls cool slightly before serving. Arrange them on a platter, and set out extra cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping. Be warned: they’ll disappear quickly!
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls
Garnishes
Elevate the look and taste of your Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme. A scattering of tiny orange zest curls adds a festive touch, and a little extra cranberry sauce on the side never hurts for extra tangy goodness!
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls play well with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a lighter option, a crisp mixed green salad makes the perfect backdrop and balances the richness of the stuffing balls.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls into an appetizer platter for parties by setting them on pretty toothpicks or skewers. Serve them in mini muffin liners for easy handling, or arrange on a serving tray with sauces and dips in the center for a gorgeous, interactive spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, retaining their flavor and most of their texture (even more delicious the next day, if you ask me!).
Freezing
Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls freeze beautifully—just pop cooled balls onto a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready, reheat straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To keep the outside crisp, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to microwave, just know the exterior may be a bit softer, but the flavor will still shine. Top with extra glaze or cranberry sauce right before serving for that fresh-baked touch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and delivers a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s finely chopped so it blends perfectly with the stuffing.
What type of stuffing works best?
Any traditional bread-based stuffing is ideal, but you can use sausage, cornbread, or even gluten-free stuffing. The flavors and moisture levels will all work beautifully in these Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls.
Can I make these balls ahead for a party?
Yes! Shape the balls and store them (uncooked) in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake and glaze as directed for fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Definitely! The Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra pop of sweet-tart flavor and a pretty finish if you want to impress.
How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is moist enough; if it seems dry, add a splash of stock or a bit more melted butter. Chilling the shaped balls for 10-15 minutes before baking also helps them hold together.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls are the best way to bring a bit of festive magic to your table any time of year. Whether you’re working with leftovers or making them from scratch, they pack all your favorite holiday flavors into one irresistible bite. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this fun recipe a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!