Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Bite-Sized Holiday Favorite

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday appetizer or a fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving leftovers, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are just what you need. These little bites combine the comforting flavors of roasted turkey, tangy cranberries, and savory stuffing into one delightful package. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with festive flavor. I love making them the day after Thanksgiving when the fridge is full of leftovers—it’s a clever way to reinvent the meal without losing that holiday magic. Even better, they’re easy to prepare, freeze beautifully, and make a great addition to any holiday spread. I’ve tried these using both fresh and dried cranberries, and both worked perfectly! Whether you serve them as a starter, side dish, or snack, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to bring the warmth and joy of the holidays to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday comfort food, combining classic flavors in an easy-to-eat, party-ready form. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even as a cozy winter treat. You’ll love how quickly they come together using simple ingredients—and how customizable they are.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor balance. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect festive bite.

Ground turkey – Lean yet flavorful, ground turkey gives the stuffing balls their hearty texture. You can also use shredded leftover roast turkey.

Stuffing mix – Whether homemade or boxed, stuffing provides the base and binds everything together with that nostalgic holiday flavor.

Dried cranberries – Their sweet-tart taste contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey and herbs, adding a burst of color and flavor.

Eggs – The eggs help hold the mixture together while giving the balls a light, tender consistency.

Chicken broth – Moistens the stuffing and enhances the savory taste without overpowering other flavors.

Celery and onion – These add aromatic depth and a slight crunch, balancing the soft interior.

Butter – A small amount of melted butter enriches the mixture, giving it that traditional stuffing warmth.

Salt, pepper, and herbs – A blend of sage, thyme, and parsley brings classic holiday aromas and seasoning to each bite.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with the stuffing mix, ground turkey, dried cranberries, herbs, and seasoning. Add the eggs and pour in the chicken broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined.

Using a scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For extra crispiness, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter halfway through baking. Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They’re perfect with a side of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of turkey gravy.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 to 18 stuffing balls, serving 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Delight – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the mix for a creamy, rich twist.

Vegetarian Version – Skip the turkey and use a plant-based protein or extra stuffing with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free option.

Spicy Kick – Mix in a bit of chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a touch of heat.

Herb Lovers’ Mix – Boost the flavor by adding extra fresh parsley, rosemary, or sage to the stuffing mix.

Cranberry Glaze – Brush the baked balls with warm cranberry sauce for a glossy, sweet finish.

Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Gravy Dippers – Serve with a side of warm turkey or mushroom gravy for dipping—perfect for parties.

Mini Appetizer Bites – Form smaller, bite-sized balls for a finger-food version ideal for gatherings.

Maple Twist – Drizzle lightly with maple syrup before baking to add a subtle sweetness.

Leftover Magic – Mix in small bits of leftover roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Shape and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Absolutely. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

Shredded cooked chicken or even leftover roasted turkey works well as substitutes.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly to avoid too much tartness.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture isn’t too dry—add more broth or an extra egg if needed for binding.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes, cook them at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.

What sauce pairs best with these?

Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or even a light mustard dip complement them beautifully.

Are these suitable for kids?

Definitely! They’re mild in flavor and easy to eat, perfect for little hands.

Can I use boxed stuffing mix?

Yes, boxed stuffing mix works perfectly and saves time while still tasting homemade.

How long can they sit out at room temperature?

They’re best served warm, but can sit out safely for up to 2 hours.

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative and delicious way to celebrate the season’s best flavors. Whether made from scratch or using leftovers, these golden, savory bites offer everything you love about a holiday meal in one convenient form. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and rich taste make them a standout dish for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Once you try them, they’ll surely become a new festive tradition in your home.

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