Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and tasty twist on traditional stuffing. These little bites are packed with savory turkey, flavorful herbs, and a surprise pop of sweet-tart cranberries that add a festive touch. They’re crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside, making them a perfect side dish or appetizer for holiday gatherings.
I love making these stuffing balls because they are easy to handle and a great way to use up leftover turkey. The cranberries give them a burst of color and a fresh flavor that balances out the rich stuffing ingredients. I always find that these little balls disappear quickly at parties, and I enjoy making a big batch so there’s plenty to share.
My favorite way to serve these is warm, right out of the oven, alongside a simple green salad or with a drizzle of gravy for extra comfort. They also make a fun snack while prepping the rest of the holiday meal. These stuffing balls bring a bit of cheer to the table and remind me of cozy family get-togethers filled with laughter and good food.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Turkey: Using leftover turkey or rotisserie turkey works best. If you’re vegetarian, swap it for cooked mushrooms or chickpeas for a similar texture.
Stuffy Bread Mix: The bread crumbs or stuffing mix soak up the flavors and help bind the balls. If you want gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa instead.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add sweetness and color. Fresh cranberries work too but taste more tart. You can switch them for dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
Herbs & Veggies: Parsley, green onions, rosemary, and sage bring freshness and aroma. You can use dried herbs but reduce quantity to avoid overpowering the mix.
Broth & Eggs: The broth keeps the stuffing moist, and eggs help bind the mixture. For egg-free, consider using flax eggs or added extra broth and a bit more bread crumbs.
How Can I Get Crispy and Well-Formed Stuffing Balls?
To get perfect balls that hold together and crisp up nicely, follow these simple tips:
- Mix ingredients thoroughly but don’t overwork—the texture should be moist but firm enough to shape.
- If the mixture feels too crumbly, add broth one tablespoon at a time until it sticks together.
- Shape balls tightly with your hands to avoid falling apart during cooking.
- Use medium heat for frying to get a golden crust without burning.
- Turn gently with tongs and cook evenly on all sides, about 4-5 minutes each side.
- Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp by removing excess oil.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – to combine all your ingredients easily without mess.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping turkey, veggies, and herbs finely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the ingredient amounts right for best texture and flavor.
- Large skillet or frying pan – nonstick works great to brown the stuffing balls evenly.
- Tongs – to turn the balls gently without breaking them apart.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying to keep balls crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked sausage or ground chicken for a different protein twist.
- Add shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella inside the balls for a melty cheesy surprise.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or chopped roasted nuts like pecans for extra texture and earthiness.
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to highlight the cranberries’ sweetness during fall and holiday meals.
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 4 cups bread stuffing mix (crumbled)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or fresh if available)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried sage)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or melted butter for frying
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped for garnish
- Cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, depending on your stove and pan size. Overall, you’ll spend roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked turkey, bread stuffing mix, dried cranberries, parsley, green onions, celery, onion, garlic, Parmesan (if using), rosemary, and sage.
2. Add the Eggs and Broth:
Whisk the eggs with the broth in a small bowl, then pour into the stuffing mixture. Mix it all well until combined. The mixture should be moist but able to hold its shape. If it feels too dry, add a little more broth.
3. Season and Shape Balls:
Salt and pepper the mixture to taste. Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the Stuffing Balls:
Heat a generous amount of olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the balls carefully into the pan (work in batches if needed) and cook until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Turn gently using tongs.
5. Drain and Serve:
Transfer the cooked stuffing balls onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain extra oil. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or green onions. Spoon cranberry sauce or scatter fresh cranberries on the side for a festive touch.
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls make a perfect appetizer or side dish, especially paired with gravy or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before chopping. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Stuffing Balls?
Absolutely! Place the balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Shape the balls and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps save time on the day you want to serve them.
