Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate solution for using leftover holiday ingredients while creating something new, flavourful, and beautifully festive. The combination of tender turkey, savoury stuffing, and tart dried cranberries results in perfectly balanced bites that work as an appetiser, side dish, or even a fun main course. They are remarkably easy to assemble and bake, and the texture remains moist inside while developing a lightly crisp exterior. I once used leftover cornbread stuffing instead of traditional bread stuffing, and the sweetness paired wonderfully with the cranberries. These stuffing balls also freeze well, making them ideal for prepping ahead for gatherings or for enjoying a taste of the holidays long after the season ends. Whether served with gravy, cranberry sauce, or enjoyed on their own, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Festive Bite-Sized Holiday Favourite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 16–20 balls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Savory Thanksgiving-inspired stuffing balls made with turkey, herbs, and cranberries—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing, chopped turkey, cranberries, Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add a splash of broth if mixture seems dry—should be moist enough to hold shape.
- Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls and place on the prepared tray.
- Brush tops with melted butter for crispiness.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing and turkey for convenience.
- Add chopped pecans for crunch.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Great for meal prep—freeze before baking and cook later.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked turkey
Leftover turkey is perfect here—its tender texture blends easily with the stuffing while adding hearty protein.
Stuffing
Prepared stuffing acts as the binding base, offering savoury herbs, aromatics, and rich moisture that holds each ball together.
Dried cranberries
Cranberries provide bright pops of sweetness and tartness, creating a flavour contrast that feels distinctly festive.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the mixture, ensuring the stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.
Chicken broth
A splash of broth adds moisture and prevents the mixture from becoming too dense or dry.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and helps the exterior crisp beautifully as the stuffing balls bake.
Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that tie the flavours together without overshadowing the stuffing’s herbs.
Directions
Preheat your oven and line a baking tray with parchment for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, stuffing, and dried cranberries. Use a fork or your hands to break up the turkey into small pieces so it distributes evenly. Add the eggs and gently fold them into the mixture. Depending on the moisture level of your stuffing, add chicken broth a spoonful at a time until the mixture holds together easily when pressed. The texture should be firm yet pliable—not overly wet.
Scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into compact balls, arranging them evenly on the baking tray. Brush each ball lightly with melted butter to promote browning and enhance flavour. Bake until golden and heated through, turning them gently if desired to ensure an even crust. Allow them to cool slightly before serving; this helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve with warm gravy or cranberry sauce for an elegant finish.
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
Makes approximately 12 stuffing balls.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. These also freeze exceptionally well—freeze fully baked stuffing balls on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat straight from frozen until warm throughout.
Variations and Customizations
Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Balls
Replace half of the turkey with cooked sausage for deeper savoury flavour.
Herb-Boosted Version
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a brighter, aromatic finish.
Cornbread Stuffing Balls
Use cornbread stuffing for a sweeter, more Southern-inspired variation.
Cheese-Stuffed Centers
Insert a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar into each ball for a gooey surprise.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all added ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Apple Cranberry Twist
Add finely diced apples for extra sweetness and moisture.
Spicy Holiday Bites
Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Gravy-Baked Stuffing Balls
Bake the stuffing balls partially covered with a thin layer of gravy for added moisture.
Leftover Ham Variation
Replace turkey with chopped ham for a new holiday flavour profile.
Vegan Variation
Use plant-based stuffing, vegetable broth, and a flax egg; replace turkey with finely chopped roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing from the fridge?
Yes, chilled leftover stuffing works perfectly and may even bind better.
Should the turkey be finely chopped?
Yes, smaller pieces distribute evenly and help the mixture form cohesive balls.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely; refrigerate the shaped balls and bake just before serving.
Why are my stuffing balls falling apart?
The mixture may need more moisture or another egg to help bind.
Can I add fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended; fresh ones add too much moisture.
Can I air fry these?
Yes, air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, shaking once halfway.
Do I have to brush them with butter?
It enhances browning, but you may skip it or use oil instead.
Can I use boxed stuffing mix?
Yes, just prepare it according to package instructions first.
Do these pair well with gravy?
They are excellent with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce.
Can I freeze them unbaked?
Yes, freeze them raw and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive, versatile way to reinvent holiday leftovers or create a unique appetiser that shines on any table. Their balance of savoury, sweet, and herbaceous flavours makes them irresistible, and their simplicity ensures they fit seamlessly into busy seasonal cooking. Whether prepared fresh or made ahead for gatherings, these bite-sized delights always deliver comforting holiday flavour with every bite.
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