These Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect festive side dish — combining the sweet tang of dried cranberries, the savory richness of ground turkey, and the cozy aroma of herbs like sage and thyme. Whether you’re serving them alongside your holiday turkey or as a standalone appetizer, this simple recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffing in an easy-to-eat bite-sized form. Best of all, they’re made with wholesome ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making your holiday cooking stress-free and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these turkey stuffing balls!
- Simple and Quick: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 45 minutes.
- Festive Flavor: The perfect mix of savory and sweet from turkey, herbs, and cranberries.
- Healthy and Lean: Ground turkey keeps it light yet satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holiday prep or weekly meal planning.
- Family-Approved: Kid-friendly and elegant enough for guests.
These stuffing balls capture everything you love about classic stuffing but with less hassle and mess — no carving or scooping required!
Ingredients for Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey – Lean and mild, it forms the base for these tender, flavorful bites.
- 1 cup dried cranberries – Adds sweetness and festive flair.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together for the perfect texture.
- 1 onion, diced – Brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for rich, savory undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage – A classic holiday herb that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds earthiness and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper – Enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ cup chicken broth – Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
- 2 eggs, beaten – Acts as the binder for shape and structure.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley – Adds freshness and a touch of color.
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
- Breadcrumbs: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed whole-grain crackers if needed.
- Turkey: Swap for ground chicken for a similar light flavor, or try finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light; for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead.
- Cranberries: Unsweetened cranberries give a tangier flavor, while sweetened ones add a dessert-like note.
- Egg Substitute: To make this egg-free, use one flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3 – Add Liquids and Bind
Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Add the chopped parsley, then mix gently until everything comes together. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape.
Step 4 – Shape the Balls
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into small, firm balls. Arrange them evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These stuffing balls taste amazing on their own, with gravy, or alongside mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the balls tender.
- Uniform Size: Shape evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey.
- Add Texture: Stir in chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them a day early and reheat before serving.
- Keep Moist: Brush lightly with broth or melted butter before reheating to prevent drying out.
Flavor Variations
- Apple & Herb: Add finely diced apples for extra sweetness.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for richness.
- Savory Sausage Style: Use ground chicken sausage instead of turkey.
- Cranberry-Orange: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy lift.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile! Try serving them:
- As a holiday side dish with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce.
- With a simple green salad for a light meal.
- Inside a wrap or sandwich for easy leftovers.
- As party appetizers, paired with a creamy mustard or yogurt dipping sauce.
- Over a bed of mashed potatoes or wild rice for a hearty dinner.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds per serving.
- To Freeze: Place cooled stuffing balls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat from Frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 240mg |
(Approximate values based on one serving of six total servings.)
Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- spatula or spoon
- oven
- meat thermometer optional, for checking doneness
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Add chicken broth, beaten eggs, and parsley. Stir gently until mixture holds together.
- Shape about 2 tablespoons of mixture into small balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with gravy, salad, or as an appetizer.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ About Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the stuffing balls up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake them just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I freeze the mixture before baking?
Yes — shape the stuffing balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding about 5–8 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can! Chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly (¾ cup) to balance the tartness. If using fresh, the balls may release a little more moisture, so add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs if needed.
What’s the best way to keep them moist?
Avoid overbaking and make sure to use a bit of broth in the mix. You can also brush with broth or melted butter when reheating.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
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Final Thoughts
These Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver everything you love about holiday stuffing — savory herbs, sweet cranberries, and cozy comfort — in a tidy, make-ahead-friendly form. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or festive finger food, they’re guaranteed to impress your family and guests. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe is a true holiday treasure you’ll return to year after year.
