Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the warmth of the holidays to your table any time of year, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are just what you need. They combine savory turkey with sweet cranberries, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a beloved staple in my home. The best part? They’re easy to whip up and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have these delicious stuffing balls ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the blend of flavors and textures, making dinner fun for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep these ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them as a side dish, appetizer, or even snack throughout the week. They’re great anytime!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Mixture

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

For Binding

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (beaten)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: Incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Go green: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or spinach for an extra burst of color and nutrition.

How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your stuffing balls bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and onion. Combining these ingredients first allows their flavors to meld together beautifully before adding the turkey.

Step 3: Make the Turkey Mixture

In another bowl, combine the ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing this separately helps ensure that all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the turkey.

Step 4: Form Balls

Add the turkey mixture into your bowl of bread cubes and gently combine until everything is well mixed. Now comes the fun part! Shape this mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out so they have room to cook evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake your stuffing balls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown on top; this will create a lovely crust while keeping them moist inside!

Enjoy serving these delightful Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls at your next dinner gathering! They’re bound to become a favorite at your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making these delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to ensure your stuffing balls turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Stale Bread Cubes: If you have leftover bread, let it sit out for a day or two before using it. Stale bread absorbs moisture better and results in a better texture.
• Chop Veggies Finely: Ensure that the celery and onion are chopped finely. This helps them blend well into the mixture, providing even flavor distribution throughout the stuffing balls.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices based on your preference. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your stuffing balls an extra kick!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the turkey mixture with the bread cubes, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough stuffing balls rather than light and fluffy ones.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the oven while baking. Look for a golden brown color, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls not only taste fantastic but also look delightful on any dinner table. With just a bit of creativity, you can elevate their presentation to impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both the look and flavor of your dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: A small dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce on top can add a lovely sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory stuffing balls beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized will add color and nutrients to your meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich, comforting complement to the tangy flavors of the stuffing balls. Consider adding garlic or herbs for an extra twist!
• Green Salad: A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty stuffing balls.
• Quinoa Pilaf: For a healthy twist, serve quinoa pilaf mixed with nuts and dried fruits. Its nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with turkey and cranberries while adding texture to your plate.

With these serving ideas and tips in hand, you’re all set to create an impressive meal featuring Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their deliciousness anytime. Preparing them in advance can save you time on busy weeknights or during festive gatherings!

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before storing.
• Item: Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Item: They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Item: To freeze, place cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Item: Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Item: They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Item: To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Item: Arrange the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Item: Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If thawed, reduce reheating time to about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls that might help you out.

Can I make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just shape into balls and pop them in the oven when needed.

What can I serve with Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?

These stuffing balls are versatile! They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, salads, or even as part of a Thanksgiving spread.

Are there any substitutions I can make for the ingredients?

Yes! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs or add nuts for extra crunch.

How do I know when my Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are done?

Your stuffing balls are ready when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is handy for this!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a special holiday gathering, these little bites of joy will surely impress your family and friends. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!