Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun twist on classic holiday flavors packed into bite-sized treats. They blend savory turkey and traditional stuffing with bursts of tart cranberry, creating a mix of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and a little bit festive. The crispy outside gives way to a soft, flavorful inside that’s full of familiar holiday goodness.
I love making these stuffing balls because they’re such an easy way to bring everyone together—no forks needed! They’re perfect for nibbling while you chat or as a tasty side at the dinner table. What I really like is how the cranberries add a little surprise pop of sweetness that balances the savory turkey and herbs. It’s like a cozy holiday hug in every bite.
When I serve these, I usually add a small bowl of gravy or cranberry sauce nearby for dipping. It makes the experience even better and keeps everyone going back for more. Plus, they’re great warm or at room temperature, so they work well for both big meals and casual get-togethers. Honestly, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are one of those recipes that always gets smiles—and second helpings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Using leftover turkey works great here. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken is an easy substitute with a similar flavor and texture.
Stuffing: You can use store-bought stuffing or homemade for best flavor. If avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free stuffing or make your own with gluten-free bread.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice tart pop. If you want less sweetness, try finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries soaked briefly in hot water to soften.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty punch. If you need dairy-free options, nutritional yeast works well as a cheesy substitute.
Eggs: Eggs bind the mixture together. For egg-free baking, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) per egg as a binder.
How To Make Crispy, Well-Bound Stuffing Balls Without Falling Apart?
The key is the right mixture and gentle handling. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix stuffing and turkey well but avoid overpacking; the balls need some air to stay tender.
- Use the eggs to bind everything nicely. If the mix feels dry, add a small splash of broth.
- When shaping, press just enough to hold but don’t compact too hard.
- Heat the pan and oil well before adding balls; this helps form a crisp crust quickly.
- Cook over medium heat and turn carefully to brown evenly on all sides.
- Finishing in the oven is optional but great to melt cheese inside and heat through without drying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan – helps crisp the balls nicely without sticking or breaking apart.
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop – makes shaping uniform stuffing balls quick and easy.
- Baking sheet – use this if you want to finish the cooking in the oven for even heating.
- Spatula or tongs – essential for flipping the balls gently without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked sausage to add a richer, spiced meat flavor that pairs well with cranberries.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty taste that contrasts nicely with the softness inside.
- Mix in shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a melty, tangy surprise in every bite.
- Include finely chopped mushrooms or sautéed spinach to boost the veggie content and add earthiness.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups stove-top or homemade turkey stuffing, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for frying)
- Fresh rosemary or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking these stuffing balls takes about 25 to 30 minutes. This includes 10 minutes of mixing and shaping, around 8-10 minutes of pan-frying, and optionally 10 minutes baking in the oven to finish cooking. It’s a fairly quick and satisfying dish to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you want to finish the balls in the oven. In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, parsley, eggs, Parmesan cheese, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
2. Shape the Stuffing Balls:
Take handfuls of the mixture and gently form them into 1 ½-inch balls. Be careful to pack them gently so they hold together but aren’t too tightly packed. This keeps them light and tender inside.
3. Pan-fry the Balls:
Heat the olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffing balls carefully in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp all around. Use a spatula or tongs to turn them gently.
4. Optional Oven Finish and Garnish:
If you want to ensure the balls are cooked through or keep warm, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Once done, remove and sprinkle with fresh rosemary or parsley and a few extra dried cranberries for a festive touch.
5. Serve:
Serve your cranberry turkey stuffing balls warm. They’re fantastic on their own or paired with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. Enjoy this tasty, festive treat!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for the Stuffing Balls?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey, but make sure it’s fully thawed and dry before chopping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for faster thawing. Pat the turkey dry to avoid extra moisture in the mixture.
Can I Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the stuffing balls, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also fully cook them, cool, and store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat for a crispy exterior.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free stuffing or homemade gluten-free bread crumbs to keep this recipe safe for gluten intolerance. Just make sure all other ingredients like broth and seasoning are gluten-free too.
