Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect festive side dish — combining the sweet tang of dried cranberries, the savory richness of ground turkey, and the cozy aroma of herbs like sage and thyme. Whether you’re serving them alongside your holiday turkey or as a standalone appetizer, this simple recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing in an easy-to-eat bite-sized form. Best of all, they’re made with wholesome ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making your holiday cooking stress-free and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

There’s so much to adore about these turkey stuffing balls!

• Simple and Quick: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 45 minutes.
• Festive Flavor: The perfect mix of savory and sweet from turkey, herbs, and cranberries.
• Healthy and Lean: Ground turkey keeps it light yet satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holiday prep or weekly meal planning.
• Family-Approved: Kid-friendly and elegant enough for guests.

These stuffing balls capture everything you love about classic stuffing but with less hassle and mess — no carving or scooping required!

Ingredients for Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey – Lean and mild, it forms the base for these tender, flavorful bites.
• 1 cup dried cranberries – Adds sweetness and festive flair.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together for the perfect texture.
• 1 onion, diced – Brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for rich, savory undertones.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage – A classic holiday herb that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds earthiness and warmth.
• ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper – Enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• ¼ cup chicken broth – Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
• 2 eggs, beaten – Acts as the binder for shape and structure.
• ¼ cup chopped parsley – Adds freshness and a touch of color.

Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps

• Breadcrumbs: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed whole-grain crackers if needed.
• Turkey: Swap for ground chicken for a similar light flavor, or try finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light; for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead.
• Cranberries: Unsweetened cranberries give a tangier flavor, while sweetened ones add a dessert-like note.
• Egg Substitute: To make this egg-free, use one flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3 – Add Liquids and Bind

Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Add the chopped parsley, then mix gently until everything comes together. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape.

Step 4 – Shape the Balls

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into small, firm balls. Arrange them evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These stuffing balls taste amazing on their own, with gravy, or alongside mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the balls tender.
2. Uniform Size: Shape evenly so they bake at the same rate.
3. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey.
4. Add Texture: Stir in chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare them a day early and reheat before serving.
6. Keep Moist: Brush lightly with broth or melted butter before reheating to prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations

1. Apple & Herb: Add finely diced apples for extra sweetness.
2. Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for richness.
3. Savory Sausage Style: Use ground chicken sausage instead of turkey.
4. Cranberry-Orange: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy lift.
5. Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile! Try serving them:

• As a holiday side dish with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce.
• With a simple green salad for a light meal.
• Inside a wrap or sandwich for easy leftovers.
• As party appetizers, paired with a creamy mustard or yogurt dipping sauce.
• Over a bed of mashed potatoes or wild rice for a hearty dinner.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds per serving.
• To Freeze: Place cooled stuffing balls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat from Frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on one serving of six total servings.)

FAQ About Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the stuffing balls up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake them just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Can I freeze the mixture before baking?

Yes — shape the stuffing balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding about 5–8 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can! Chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly (¾ cup) to balance the tartness. If using fresh, the balls may release a little more moisture, so add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs if needed.

What’s the best way to keep them moist?

Avoid overbaking and make sure to use a bit of broth in the mix. You can also brush with broth or melted butter when reheating.

Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?

They can be! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Author: Dolly
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

These Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, and savory herbs for a festive, flavorful bite-sized side dish perfect for the holidays or any cozy meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until combined.
4. Shape mixture into 2-tablespoon balls and arrange on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as an appetizer.

Notes

To keep these stuffing balls moist, avoid overmixing and brush with broth or butter when reheating. Great for make-ahead holiday prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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Final Thoughts

These Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver everything you love about holiday stuffing — savory herbs, sweet cranberries, and cozy comfort — in a tidy, make-ahead-friendly form. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or festive finger food, they’re guaranteed to impress your family and guests. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe is a true holiday treasure you’ll return to year after year.