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Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe for Holidays

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Tender turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries rolled into bite-sized perfection. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer or side dish, perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
  • 3 cups stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Butter or oil for greasing
  • Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or sage), chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the stuffing balls. If frying, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, stuffing, chopped cranberries, and fresh herbs (if using). Mix well to combine.
  3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and pour them into the stuffing mixture. Add the breadcrumbs and mix until everything comes together. If the mixture feels too dry, add the chicken or turkey broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds its shape when you form it into a ball.
  4. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking, or set aside if frying.
  5. If baking, cook the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to touch. If frying, heat oil in the pan and cook the balls for 2-3 minutes per side until evenly golden and crisp.
  6. Allow the cooked stuffing balls to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—cranberry relish, gravy, or tangy mustard sauce.

Notes

[‘Keep the mixture moist by adding broth if the stuffing is dry.’, ‘Avoid overmixing to keep the balls light and fluffy.’, ‘Chill the mixture for 20-30 minutes if it feels too sticky.’, ‘Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.’, ‘These freeze well and can be reheated for a quick snack or appetizer.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry, turkey, stuffing balls, holiday recipe, Thanksgiving, Christmas, appetizer, side dish, leftovers, festive, kid-friendly