Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: Sweet, Savory Holiday Comfort in Every Bite
When it comes to holiday comfort food, few flavor combinations are as iconic as turkey and cranberry. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together everything people love about festive meals into one irresistible, bite-sized dish. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a creative dinner option, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to use leftover turkey or planning an elegant holiday spread, these baked turkey stuffing bites deliver the perfect balance of savory herbs, juicy turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry flavor. The exterior turns golden and lightly crisp in the oven, while the inside remains tender and flavorful. A drizzle of cranberry glaze or dipping sauce takes them to the next level.
This recipe is also surprisingly versatile. You can serve it as a Thanksgiving appetizer, a Christmas party snack, or even a cozy weeknight dinner with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Plus, because they’re baked instead of fried, they’re lighter while still being incredibly satisfying.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls at home.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
There are countless reasons this recipe has become a favorite among home cooks:
- Holiday flavors in one bite — turkey, herbs, and cranberry create a nostalgic taste experience.
- Perfect for leftovers — a great way to repurpose leftover turkey or stuffing.
- Make-ahead friendly — prepare in advance and bake when needed.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer — ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Healthier option — baked instead of deep-fried.
- Freezer-friendly — easy to store and reheat later.
These little bites pack big flavor and can easily become a new holiday tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix (or leftover stuffing)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (to moisten mixture if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
Optional Cranberry Glaze or Dip
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture by combining stuffing mix with a small amount of warm chicken broth if it’s dry. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Mix the ingredients in a large bowl: ground turkey, stuffing, chopped cranberries, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until just combined.
- Adjust moisture if needed by adding a few tablespoons of chicken broth. The mixture should hold together when shaped.
- Form into balls about 1½ inches in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with olive oil or drizzle oil over the tops to encourage browning.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Prepare the glaze (optional) by whisking cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Serve warm, drizzled with glaze or with sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Stuffing Balls
1. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make the turkey dense. Combine ingredients just until everything is incorporated.
2. Moisture is Key
Ground turkey is lean, so the stuffing and broth help keep the interior tender. If the mixture feels dry, add more broth gradually.
3. Uniform Size Matters
Keep the balls similar in size so they cook evenly. A cookie scoop works perfectly.
4. Use Fresh Herbs When Possible
Fresh parsley or sage enhances the flavor dramatically compared to dried versions.
5. Rest Before Serving
Let the stuffing balls rest for 5 minutes after baking so juices redistribute.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Cheesy Turkey Stuffing Balls
Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mixture for a melty center.
Spicy Cranberry Version
Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
Bacon Lovers Option
Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky richness.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs.
Herb-Forward Gourmet Style
Increase fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes.
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Sweet potato mash
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Cranberry aioli or honey mustard dip
- Dinner rolls or sliders
You can also serve them as mini meatball sliders with soft rolls and extra cranberry sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead
You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding about 5–7 minutes to cooking time.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture, or microwave for convenience.
Nutrition Benefits
Ground turkey is a lean protein source that provides essential nutrients such as:
- Protein for muscle support
- B vitamins for energy
- Iron and zinc for immune health
Using baking instead of frying reduces excess fat while still delivering satisfying flavor. Adding herbs and cranberries also introduces antioxidants and micronutrients.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls shine in many settings:
- Thanksgiving appetizers
- Christmas gatherings
- Holiday potlucks
- Game day snacks
- Family dinners
- Meal prep lunches
- Leftover turkey transformations
They’re elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for everyday cooking.
Fun Holiday Food Fact
The combination of turkey and cranberries dates back centuries in North American cuisine. Cranberries were one of the few fruits native to the region and became a natural pairing with roasted meats due to their tartness balancing savory richness. This recipe modernizes that classic pairing into a convenient, bite-sized format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Finely chop or shred cooked turkey and mix it with the stuffing and egg to help bind.
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I know they’re done?
Use a thermometer — internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe naturally contains no dairy unless you add cheese.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate comfort food fusion — combining nostalgic holiday flavors with modern convenience. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal in every bite. Once you try them, they may just become a staple in your seasonal recipe collection.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare stuffing according to package instructions if needed and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, cranberries, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth gradually until the mixture holds together when shaped.
- Form mixture into 1½-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush or drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Heat cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan until smooth.
- Serve stuffing balls warm with glaze drizzled or on the side.
