Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun twist on classic stuffing that bring together the hearty flavors of turkey and the sweet tang of cranberries in a perfectly bite-sized treat. These little balls combine tender chunks of turkey, savory stuffing, and bursts of cranberry that add a pop of color and flavor. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great finger food for any holiday table or get-together.
I love making these because they turn traditional stuffing into something easy to share and eat without a fork. Plus, the cranberries give just the right touch of sweetness, balancing the savory turkey and herbs. I usually sneak a few while they’re still warm—it’s hard to resist! If you want to keep them crispy for longer, I recommend baking them just until golden and serving them fresh from the oven.
These stuffing balls are perfect for holiday parties, casual dinners, or whenever you want a cozy, comforting snack. I often serve them with a simple cranberry sauce or a little drizzle of gravy for extra flavor. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up leftover turkey in a fresh and exciting way.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works perfectly here. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken is a good substitute that keeps the flavor mild and tender.
Stuffing: Homemade stuffing is great, but store-bought works fine too. For a gluten-free option, try cornbread or gluten-free bread stuffing.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet, tart bite. If you prefer, you can swap with dried cherries or raisins—whatever you like! Fresh cranberries won’t hold up as well here.
Chicken Broth: This helps bind the mixture and adds moisture. Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian swap, or just use water if you don’t have broth.
How Do I Make Sure the Stuffing Balls Hold Their Shape?
Getting the right texture is key. Too dry and the balls fall apart—too wet and they get mushy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with 1/4 cup of broth and add more only if needed. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Mix in the eggs well; they act as a binder to keep the balls together.
- Test by shaping a small ball; if it holds without falling apart, you’re good. If not, add a little more broth or stuffing to adjust.
- Use your hands to gently but firmly shape each ball, compacting the mixture without squeezing too hard.
These little tips help you make perfectly firm and tasty stuffing balls every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking the stuffing balls evenly and getting a nice golden crust.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – great for combining all your ingredients in one place without mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – important for adding just the right amounts of herbs and broth.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – useful for mixing without breaking up the stuffing too much.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for shredded rotisserie chicken – it’s ready to use and adds a juicy, mild flavor.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a melty, creamy surprise inside each ball.
- Mix in chopped sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste that complements the herbs.
- Use fresh sage and thyme if you want a brighter, more aromatic herb flavor compared to dried.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 4 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup chicken broth (add more as needed)
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for frying or baking)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and assembling the stuffing balls takes about 15 minutes. Baking time is 20 to 25 minutes. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes from start to finish for crispy, delicious stuffing balls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the finely chopped cooked turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
Next, add the eggs, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, a little at a time, mixing as you go until the mixture sticks together but isn’t too wet.
2. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 to 24 balls. Press firmly, but don’t pack too tightly.
3. Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Place the stuffing balls on the baking sheet and lightly brush or drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter to help them brown.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once golden and heated through, remove the stuffing balls from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Serve warm, maybe alongside cranberry sauce or gravy for extra flavor.
Enjoy your crispy, savory cranberry turkey stuffing balls—perfect for snacking or serving at your next holiday meal!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before chopping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in your mixture.
Can I Make These Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container until ready to bake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Stuffing Balls?
Yes, baking is a great option and is less messy. Just brush or drizzle the balls with olive oil or melted butter before baking to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.