Dinner

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Name: Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups bread crumbs; 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded; ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped; ½ cup onion, finely diced; ½ cup celery, diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 large egg

Bylilan Sage November 8, 2025November 8, 2025

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Introduction

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with savory turkey and sweet cranberries, they make a flavorful and fun finger food. Bake them until golden for a crowd-pleasing treat that pairs wonderfully with gravy or cranberry sauce.

The image shows close-up of golden-brown meatballs in a baking tray, each meatball is round with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. They are mixed with bright red dried cranberries and small bits of green herbs scattered throughout. On top of some meatballs, there are small sprigs of fresh parsley adding a vibrant green color. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts well with the warm tones of the meatballs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups bread crumbs
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup onion, finely diced
½ cup celery, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 large egg

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley.
Step 3: Add dried thyme, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and the egg. Mix everything until well combined and evenly moistened.
Step 4: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve warm, accompanied by gravy or extra cranberry sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover turkey for a great way to reduce waste and add flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with mushrooms and vegetable broth.
Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried for a tarter bite, just chop them finely.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to retain crispness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Four round, golden-brown bread balls sit on white baking paper on a silver tray. Each ball has a rough, uneven surface with small bits of red cranberries and green herbs mixed throughout. The bread balls look slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside, with one ball in the front center topped with small, fresh green parsley leaves. The background has warm yellow lights and hints of red berries blurred out over a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Can I use regular cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, fresh cranberries can be used but chop them finely as they are more tart and juicy. You might want to reduce the chicken broth slightly to avoid a soggy mixture.