Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Perfect Holiday Crowd-Pleaser 🦃🍒✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a show-stopping side dish that combines the savory goodness of turkey stuffing with a burst of tart cranberry flavor, then look no further than our Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. This irresistible recipe offers an innovative twist on traditional Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving and promises to be a highlight of your holiday table. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, these stuffing balls recipe are easy to make, visually appealing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare this crowd-pleasing dish.
2. Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups stuffing mix (prepared or homemade, see our delicious stuffing recipes)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or craisins
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or as needed)
- Olive oil for frying or baking
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Stuffing Balls Recipe
Preparation of the Filling
Start by combining the shredded turkey, prepared stuffing mix, fresh cranberries, diced celery, onion, dried cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Forming the Stuffing Balls
Next, add the beaten egg and gradually pour in chicken broth, mixing as you go, until the mixture becomes sticky but holdable. Using your hands, form the mixture into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Choose your preferred cooking method: for a healthier option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, fry them in olive oil over medium heat until crispy on all sides. Either way, these Turkey Stuffing Recipes are fantastic with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Stuffing Balls
Allow the stuffed balls to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For longer storage, these stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect if you want to prepare them ahead of time for upcoming Thanksgiving dishes.
5. Serving Suggestions to Enhance Your Thanksgiving Cooking
Serve these stuffing balls recipe with a side of homemade cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or a fresh greens salad. They complement classic Thanksgiving side dishes beautifully. For a delightful dessert, try pairing them with our maple glazed apple blondies — a perfect fall treat.
6. Tips for Making the Best Stuffing Balls
- Ensure your stuffing mixture is moist enough to hold together but not too wet.
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor or dried cranberries for a sweeter touch.
- Experiment with seasonings like rosemary or sage to customize your flavor profile.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stuffing Balls Recipe
Q: Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing balls a day in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then bake or fry them just before serving for maximum freshness.
Q: What are the best cooking methods for stuffing balls?
Both baking and frying work well. Baking offers a healthy alternative, while frying results in a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Q: How can I make this recipe even more flavorful?
Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to enhance the taste. Incorporating cheese or walnuts can also add texture and richness.
8. Conclusion
Incorporating the vibrant flavors of cranberries with the savory goodness of turkey into these Turkey Stuffing Recipes results in an irresistible dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast. Our Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to garner compliments and become a new family favorite. Whether served as a side dish or appetizer, their delightful blend of flavors and textures makes them a must-try during the holiday season. For more holiday-inspired recipes, explore our collection of Thanksgiving Dishes and side dishes that will elevate your celebration.
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 stuffing balls 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Celebrate the holidays with our Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—an irresistible, crowd-pleasing side dish featuring the savory flavor of turkey, the tartness of fresh cranberries, and crispy, golden perfection. Perfect for Thanksgiving or festive gatherings, this innovative twist on traditional stuffing combines juicy turkey with vibrant cranberry accents for a flavorful and visually appealing centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups stuffing mix (prepared or homemade, see our delicious stuffing recipes)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or craisins
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or as needed)
- Olive oil for frying or baking
Instructions
- Start by combining shredded turkey, prepared stuffing mix, chopped fresh cranberries, diced celery, chopped onion, dried cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add the beaten egg and gradually pour in chicken broth, mixing until the mixture is sticky but holdable.
- Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls using your hands and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Choose your preferred cooking method: bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden or fry in olive oil over medium heat until crispy on all sides.
Notes
- Ensure the stuffing mixture is moist enough to hold together but not too wet.
- Use fresh cranberries for tartness or dried cranberries for sweetness.
- Customize flavor with herbs like rosemary or add cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking / Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball (approximate 1.5 inch diameter)
- Calories: 110 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
