Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (with Mushroom “Blend”)
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are savory, golden-baked bites blending juicy turkey, toasted bread, and sweet-tart cranberries into a festive, hand-held stuffing you can serve for parties, holidays, or cozy weeknights. Imagine pulling a tray from the oven the kitchen fills with the nostalgic scent of herbs and butter, while each ball boasts a crispy edge and pillowy, flavorful center.
Growing up, stuffing was always my favorite part of Thanksgiving, so transforming it into shareable bites brings me right back to my mom’s bustling table, laughter in the air.
These are wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor no fancy tricks, just homey ingredients and a stress-free method that works every time. Let’s bring that same heartfelt comfort to your kitchen and make mealtime feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love These Festive Stuffing Bites
- Tender and golden with every bite. Picture warm, crispy outsides giving way to fluffy, savory centers studded with pops of sweet-tart cranberries a little magic in each mouthful.
- Made for sharing and celebrating. These stuffing balls travel beautifully, tuck into lunchboxes, or star on your holiday table, making gatherings hassle-free and delicious.
- Cozy nostalgia meets something new. They capture the comforting aroma of classic stuffing but surprise you with juicy turkey and bursts of fruit, all shaped into bite-sized fun.
- Simple, homey, and effortlessly festive. No fancy tricks, just honest, feel-good food you’ll want to make again because sometimes, happiness really does come in small packages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey: The heart of these stuffing balls, bringing juicy tenderness and savory richness to every bite.
- Crusty bread cubes: Choose day-old bread for the best soak and texture think French, sourdough, or even a hearty whole wheat. Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free loaf.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart pops of ruby color. You can swap for fresh cranberries for extra zing, or use cherries for a twist.
- Celery: Adds crispness and a fresh, aromatic undertone that feels like every holiday gathering.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth, melting right into the mix.
- Chicken broth: Makes everything moist and flavorful. A low-sodium veggie broth works perfectly for a meatless version.
- Butter (unsalted, melted): For that irresistible golden richness and melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Large eggs: These help bind all the goodness together for perfect hand-held bites.
- Sage and thyme (dried): Classic Thanksgiving herbs for comfort and warmth you can use fresh if you have them, just double the amount.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: The essential trio for savory flavor all the way through.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Preheat and Prep: Start by setting your oven and lining your baking sheets. A quick spritz of nonstick spray keeps those stuffing balls golden on the outside and easy to lift off.
- Mix the Base: In a big bowl, gently fold together ground turkey, chopped celery, finely diced onion, plump cranberries, chicken broth, melted butter, eggs, and fragrant herbs. Use your hands for a tender, homestyle texture and to avoid overmixing.
- Add the Bread: Pile in your bread cubes last, tossing just until everything is evenly combined. This gives you that lovely mix of pillowy centers and crispy edges.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Arrange them on your baking sheets, leaving a little space between each for even browning.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven until they’re deeply golden and just firm. The kitchen will smell like Thanksgiving magic! If you want to serve them alongside your favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipe, this is your cue.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Roll and chill the raw balls overnight to make party day totally stress-free. Just bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose hearty bread: Opt for sturdy, slightly stale bread think French or sourdough for a stuffing ball that’s crisp outside and soft in the center. Soft sandwich bread may get soggy.
- Mix just enough: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the balls dense instead of tender and light.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: Taste your mixture before shaping! Sage, thyme, salt, and pepper are classic, but a little extra holiday spice never hurts. Fresh herbs can really brighten things up, if you have them.
- Watch your bake time: Bake until deeply golden with crispy edges; underbaking leads to mushy middles, while overbaking can dry them out.
- Serve warm for max comfort: These stuffing balls taste best hot from the oven, with creamy middles and toasty, fragrant outsides everyone will love.
Variations & Flavor Swaps
Go meatless or swap the protein: Easily make these vegetarian by using hearty sautéed mushrooms in place of turkey, or switch it up with rotisserie chicken or even a spicy turkey sausage for a bit of zip.
Try new add-ins: Chopped pecans deliver irresistible crunch, diced apples add juicy sweetness, and dried cherries bring a different tart note. Toss in a handful of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or crumbled goat cheese for an extra cozy bite.
Gluten-free or dairy-free? Use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes and swap melted vegan butter for the classic version no one will taste the difference.
Baking for multiple celebrations? Go all-in on fall flavors by pairing with something like these Pumpkin Cranberry Scones for a holiday brunch with serious wow-factor.
These little stuffing balls are meant to flex for any craving, table, or memory you want to create.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate for Freshness: Store leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for a few days, making them perfect for weekday lunches.
- Freeze for Later: To plan ahead, freeze stuffing balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They hold up beautifully, keeping their shape and that craveable golden crust.
- Gentle Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven until warmed through this keeps outsides crispy and centers soft. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but cover them with a damp towel to protect against drying out.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Mix and shape the stuffing balls up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready for heat-and-serve ease!
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Balls
- Appetizer Platter Magic: Set your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls out with toothpicks or mini skewers. They’re ideal for nibbling at holiday parties impossibly tender inside, with bursts of sweet cranberry that play perfectly with other small bites.
- Savor With Spreads: Serve alongside a creamy dip or the tangy, festive flavors of the Pineapple Cranberry Holiday Cheese Log. The combination brings sweet, savory, and creamy together in every bite.
- Holiday Sides Galore: Pair with Sweet Potato Brie Bites or the ultra-comforting Classic Green Bean Casserole. The flavors feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
- Cozy Main or Lunch Idea: Tuck a few into a lunchbox with a side of cranberry sauce, or serve as the star next to Stuffed Acorn Squash Rings for a gorgeous vegetarian-friendly feast.
- Potluck-Perfect: Arrange in a basket lined with a soft cloth for an inviting touch these stuffing balls travel beautifully and disappear fast at gatherings!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, celery, onion, cranberries, chicken broth, butter, eggs, and seasonings. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add in the bread cubes. Combine until the bread cubes are evenly incorporated into the meatball mixture.
- Roll out 40 meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and line on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a spritz of olive oil for extra color.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roll and chill the unbaked stuffing balls in the fridge overnight. On party day, just pop them in the oven while you prep everything else. It’s such a relief to know you’re just minutes away from piping-hot, cozy, golden bites.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
Feel free to swap in chopped dried cherries for a sweet-tart twist, or even try fresh cranberries if you crave a little extra zing. Diced apples also add nice juiciness. Brighter flavors just add to that holiday magic!
How do I keep stuffing balls from drying out when reheating?
For the best results, reheat in the oven so they get that irresistible crisp outside and stay soft within. If you’re short on time, the microwave works just cover with a damp paper towel so every bite stays moist and tender.
Can these stuffing balls be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes. No need to fuss gluten-free loaves work just as well, and you’ll still get all those cozy, crisp-edged corners and fluffy middles that make these bites so lovable.
