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Make the most of your leftover turkey with these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They are savory with a sweet-tart cranberry burst and perfect for holiday meals or cozy gatherings. They double as a fun appetizer or a hearty side.
When I brought these to our holiday potluck last year everyone raved and begged for the recipe. Now they are a new family must-have whenever we make roast turkey.
Ingredients
- Bread crumbs: Provide structure and crispness. Anywhere from fresh to panko works well—just make sure they are not too dry.
- Cooked turkey: Shredded for tender texture. Use white or dark meat for richness.
- Dried cranberries: Chopped to distribute sweet-tart flavor. Look for plump ones without added sugar for best balance.
- Onion: Finely diced to melt into the mix for savory depth. Yellow or sweet onions are best.
- Celery: Diced for crunch and freshness. Choose inner ribs for tenderness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for brightness. Use flat-leaf for best flavor and color.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory notes. Try low sodium and use extra if stuffing seems dry.
- Dried thyme: Classic stuffing herb. Look for fragrant green leaves.
- Salt: Lifts all the flavors. Use kosher for best control.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick. Freshly ground gives a bigger flavor.
- Large egg: Acts as binder for holding the balls together. Use the freshest egg possible for easier mixing.
Instructions
- Mix the Stuffing Base:
- Combine bread crumbs, shredded turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss gently with your hands to distribute every ingredient evenly.
- Season and Moisten:
- Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth. Crack the egg in as well. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly moistened and you can pinch it together easily. If it feels dry, drip in another tablespoon or two of broth.
- Shape the Balls:
- Scoop out portions, about two tablespoons each. Gently press and roll the mixture between your palms to form tidy balls that hold together. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced apart for even baking.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the tray into your preheated 375 degree oven. Bake for about twenty five minutes until the balls are deeply golden and feel set when you tap them gently. They should smell toasty and delicious.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Lift the stuffing balls from the sheet while warm. Serve immediately as a side or appetizer. For extra flair, sprinkle with more parsley.
I love how the cranberries perk up the savory turkey. My little nephew always tries to sneak the leftovers for breakfast the next day and we usually let him because they are that good.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350 degrees until warmed through. For longer storage freeze on a tray then pack into bags and thaw before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in rotisserie chicken for turkey if needed. Golden raisins can work if you are out of cranberries. Try cornbread pieces for a Southern twist or chopped walnuts for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pile them in a bowl alongside a creamy dip like ranch or herbed yogurt. They also make a smart addition to holiday buffet spreads or can be tucked into lunchboxes.
Cultural and Holiday Roots
Stuffing is traditional in American holiday foods and these convenient balls capture all those classic flavors in a fun package. Their bite sized shape was inspired by Italian arancini which are little rice balls often stuffed with cheese.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add a pinch of sage or chopped apples to bring autumn vibes. Try using leftover cooked roast chicken anytime of year. Mix in diced roasted sweet potato or butternut squash for added sweetness.
Success Stories
My cousin brought these to her Friendsgiving with vegetarian sausage instead of turkey and they vanished before the main course. My grandmother also loved them as an easy appetizer she could make ahead and reheat as needed.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Form the balls and freeze on a tray before baking. When ready to serve, space them on a baking sheet and bake straight from frozen adding five to seven minutes to the bake time.
These stuffing balls are a festive way to use leftovers and always impress guests. They are easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover turkey for these stuffing balls?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly, adding flavor and reducing waste. Simply shred or chop before mixing in.
- → What type of bread crumbs is best?
Both homemade and store-bought work well. Use plain or seasoned for added taste, depending on preference.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
You can shape and refrigerate the balls ahead or bake and reheat just before serving for convenience.
- → How do I prevent stuffing balls from falling apart?
Be sure the mixture is moist and well-combined—adding a touch more broth or egg helps binding and structure.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Cranberry sauce, herbed gravy, or a creamy ranch dip all complement the flavors of these stuffing balls.