Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun twist on the classic holiday side dish. They combine the hearty flavors of stuffing and turkey with a burst of tangy cranberry, all rolled into easy-to-eat little balls. These are perfect when you want something a bit different but still full of those familiar fall and winter flavors.
I love making these because they’re so simple to handle and share, especially when you have a crowd. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing, and the cranberries add just the right pop of color and sweetness to brighten things up. Plus, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which makes every bite a little surprise.
My favorite way to serve them is with a little drizzle of gravy or a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. They make great appetizers or side dishes during a holiday meal, and somehow they always disappear faster than I expect. If you need a tasty and easy dish that brings a little cheer to the table, these stuffing balls are a winner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly here. If turkey isn’t available, cooked chicken is a good substitute. Just chop it finely so it mixes well with the stuffing.
Stuffing Mix: Use your favorite prepared or homemade stuffing. If you want a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free bread or stuffing options.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice sweet-tart flavor. If you don’t have cranberries, raisins or chopped dried cherries can work too.
Celery & Onion: These veggies add crunch and flavor. If you’re short on time, you could use frozen diced versions that are already soft but still tasty.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth keeps the balls moist. Vegetable broth works well for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly twist (just omit turkey).
How Do You Keep Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Together Without Falling Apart?
The key is balancing moisture and binding. Here’s how to do it:
- Beat eggs and broth together well—they act as glue holding the mix.
- Add the egg-broth mix gradually to the stuffing and turkey, mixing gently but thoroughly.
- If the mixture feels too dry to form balls, add a little more broth one tablespoon at a time.
- If it feels too wet, sprinkle in some more stuffing mix until it’s firm enough.
- Shape gently but firmly into balls to avoid crumbling.
- Brushing with oil or butter helps the outside crisp up and stay intact during baking.
Taking these steps will give you golden, tasty balls that hold well and offer great flavor and texture in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need a large one for combining all the ingredients and a small one for beating the eggs and broth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For finely chopping the turkey, celery, and onion.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out the broth, cranberries, and seasonings accurately.
- Ice cream scoop or tablespoon – To help shape even-sized balls quickly and neatly.
- Pastry brush – For brushing the balls with oil or melted butter for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheesy twist: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to give the balls a little heat.
- Vegetable boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach for added nutrients.
- Herb variation: Swap parsley and sage for rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 4 cups stuffing mix (prepared or homemade, cubed or crumbled)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
- Gravy or cranberry sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for roughly 45 minutes to have these tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep Your Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, celery, onion, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir these together to evenly distribute all the flavors.
3. Add the Binding Mixture:
In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs with the chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the mixture holds together well enough to form balls. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth. If too wet, add a touch more stuffing mix.
4. Shape and Bake:
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter to help them brown nicely.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Put the tray in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The stuffing balls should turn golden brown and be thoroughly heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like. Serve warm, alongside gravy or cranberry sauce for a delicious dipping option.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before chopping to avoid extra moisture in the mixture.
Can I Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the balls in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes holiday prep much easier.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Serve With These Stuffing Balls?
They’re delicious on their own or with a side of warm gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
