Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls: the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover transformation! Are you staring down a fridge full of post-holiday bounty, wondering how to avoid another plate of the same old thing? I’ve got you covered. These aren’t just any leftover concoction; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite, turning your traditional Thanksgiving meal into a fun, portable, and utterly irresistible treat.

Stuffing, in its various forms, has been a Thanksgiving staple for centuries, evolving from simple bread-based fillings to the complex, flavorful mixtures we enjoy today. The addition of cranberries, a native North American fruit, adds a tart and festive twist. But let’s be honest, sometimes even the best stuffing can feel a little…monotonous after the big day. That’s where these cranberry turkey stuffing balls come in to save the day!

People adore this dish for its incredible combination of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, savory interior, punctuated by the sweetness of cranberries and the richness of turkey. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal, these little bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the Thanksgiving fatigue and get ready to experience your leftovers in a whole new, delicious way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Stuffing:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old crusty bread, such as sourdough or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• For the Turkey:
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cranberry Sauce (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• For Coating (Optional):
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

Preparing the Stuffing:

1. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is dry and lightly toasted. This step is crucial to prevent soggy stuffing balls! Let the toasted bread cool slightly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; you want the onions to be translucent and the celery to be tender.
3. Add the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried sage, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance. This will really enhance the flavor of your stuffing.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery mixture, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.
5. Moisten the Stuffing: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, tossing gently to combine. You want the bread to be moistened but not soggy. Add more broth if needed, but be careful not to overdo it. The stuffing should hold its shape when you squeeze it.
6. Let it Rest: Allow the stuffing to sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the broth. This will also help the flavors meld together.

Preparing the Turkey Mixture:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Gently: Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough turkey balls.

Assembling the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Combine Stuffing and Turkey: This is where the magic happens! Take a small handful of the prepared stuffing (about 2-3 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
3. Add Turkey Filling: Place a small amount of the turkey mixture (about 1-2 teaspoons) in the center of the flattened stuffing.
4. Form the Balls: Gently fold the stuffing around the turkey mixture, forming a ball. Make sure the turkey is completely enclosed in the stuffing.
5. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the formed stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat steps 2-4 until all the stuffing and turkey mixture are used.

Optional Coating (For Extra Crispy Goodness!):

1. Prepare the Coating Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Stuffing Balls: One at a time, roll each stuffing ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the stuffing balls are evenly coated.

Cooking the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:

1. Baking (Healthier Option): Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the turkey is cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Frying (For Extra Crispy Texture): Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated stuffing balls in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the turkey is cooked through. Remove the stuffing balls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Cranberry Sauce (Optional, but so worth it!):

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Cook and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
3. Cool and Serve: Remove the cranberry sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the cranberry turkey stuffing balls warm, with or without the cranberry sauce. They are delicious as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course! You can also serve them with gravy or a dollop of sour cream. These are perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or any time you’re craving a taste of the holidays!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are truly a must-try this holiday season, or frankly, anytime you’re craving a taste of Thanksgiving. They’re the perfect bite-sized package of everything we love about the holiday – savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and that comforting stuffing flavor, all rolled into one delicious orb. What’s not to love?

I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Stuffing balls? Is that really necessary?” And to that, I say, absolutely! They’re not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing. Plus, they’re so much more fun than just reheating a plate of leftovers. They’re perfect as an appetizer for your holiday gathering, a quick and easy lunch, or even a satisfying snack. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

But the best part about these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture. If you’re a fan of nuts, try incorporating some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. You could even dip them in a cranberry sauce glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve them warm with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
* Arrange them on a platter as an appetizer for your next party.
* Pack them in your lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
* Crumble them over a salad for added flavor and texture.
* Use them as a topping for mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Variations to Explore:

* Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to add a unique flavor profile.
* Cheese Please: Incorporate shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese into the stuffing mixture for a cheesy twist.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery flavor.
* Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
* Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free stuffing mix to make these balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They’re a fun, festive, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all year round. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to roll!

I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how they turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your experience will not only help other readers but will also inspire me to create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking, and happy eating! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #CranberryTurkeyStuffingBalls – I’d love to see them! And remember, the key to perfect stuffing balls is to not overmix the ingredients and to ensure they are tightly packed before baking. Enjoy this delightful cranberry turkey stuffing balls recipe!