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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious holiday appetizer shown in this featured image.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect holiday appetizer or side dish, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Combining ground turkey, cranberries, and stuffing ingredients, they're baked to golden perfection for a moist and delicious treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey 85/15 blend
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 cups cubed day-old bread sourdough or brioche recommended
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • whisk
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Turkey Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, onion, and celery. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Season the Turkey Mixture: Stir in sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, dried cranberries, and nuts (if using).
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
  5. Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss gently to coat. Add the cooked turkey mixture and parsley. Mix until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Form the Stuffing Balls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, form the stuffing mixture into balls, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through.
  8. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. These are delicious on their own, with gravy, or alongside roasted turkey.

Notes

For best results, use a combination of day-old sourdough and brioche bread. You can substitute fresh cranberries for dried, but be mindful of potential sogginess; reduce the amount of chicken broth if using fresh cranberries. Stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.