Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite

The holidays bring out the best in comfort food, and nothing says festive like Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Imagine juicy ground turkey mixed with savory stuffing, pops of sweet-tart cranberries, and warm herbs—baked into golden perfection. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, or any cozy winter gathering. Whether served as a main dish, an appetizer, or a creative party bite, these stuffing balls pack all the holiday flavors into a single, satisfying bite. Plus, they’re a brilliant way to use leftover turkey or stuffing without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Looking for inspiration? Try our Homemade Stuffing Recipe for the perfect base.

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Why Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Are the Perfect Holiday Dish

The magic of combining savory turkey with tart cranberries

The beauty of these stuffing balls lies in the flavor balance. The mild, juicy ground turkey takes on the deep, aromatic notes of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Dried cranberries bring a burst of sweetness and gentle tartness in every bite, complementing the savory meat and buttery stuffing. This flavor pairing isn’t just seasonal—it’s timeless.

How these stuffing balls save you time in the kitchen

Instead of roasting a full turkey or making separate stuffing and cranberry sauce, this recipe merges all those flavors into one quick-bake dish. They cook in under 25 minutes, making them a practical choice for busy holiday cooks. And unlike traditional stuffing that needs baking in a casserole dish, these balls bake evenly and require minimal cleanup.

Great for parties, potlucks, and Thanksgiving leftovers

Their bite-sized nature makes them a hit at holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve them with toothpicks for a fun finger food option, or plate them as part of a sit-down dinner. They’re also ideal for reinventing Thanksgiving leftovers—just swap in shredded turkey for ground turkey, and you’ve got a quick, crowd-pleasing dish.

Key Ingredients for Juicy and Flavorful Stuffing Balls

When making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, the choice of ingredients can make or break the dish. The goal is to create tender, flavorful bites that hold their shape and stay moist even after baking. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredient	Role in the Recipe	Tips for Best Results
Ground Turkey	Lean protein base	Use 93% lean for moisture, or mix dark and white meat for richer flavor
Stuffing Mix or Cornbread Crumbs	Structure & flavor	Pre-seasoned stuffing adds depth; cornbread gives a sweeter profile
Dried Cranberries	Sweet-tart bursts	Chop slightly for even distribution
Mushrooms	Moisture & umami	Finely chop to mimic ground meat texture
Onion & Celery	Classic stuffing aromatics	Use fresh for best flavor, sauté for extra depth
Egg	Binding agent	Lightly beat before adding
Poultry Seasoning & Garlic Powder	Flavor enhancers	Adjust to taste, but don’t skip for holiday authenticity
Salt & Black Pepper	Balance & seasoning	Always season evenly throughout the mix

Choosing the right ground turkey for tenderness

For stuffing balls that don’t turn dry, skip ultra-lean turkey breast alone. A 93% lean ground turkey blend has enough fat to stay juicy without feeling greasy. If you only have lean breast meat, adding mushrooms or a splash of broth can help lock in moisture.

Fresh herbs and spices for classic holiday flavor

Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary define that nostalgic holiday taste. Poultry seasoning blends often include all three, making it a time-saving option. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add subtle warmth.

Adding cranberries for a sweet-tart surprise

Dried cranberries are the perfect festive touch. They rehydrate slightly as the stuffing balls bake, releasing flavor into the turkey mix. For a bolder tartness, mix in a few chopped fresh cranberries.

Bread vs. cornbread stuffing – which works best?

Traditional bread stuffing brings savory, herby depth, while cornbread stuffing lends a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberries. Both work—so choose based on your flavor preference or what’s already in your pantry. Don’t miss our Pineapple Stuffing Recipe for a creative twist on sweet and savory stuffing.

Step-by-Step Recipe – How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Follow these simple steps to bring this festive recipe to life. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks.

Preparing the stuffing base

Start by finely chopping mushrooms, onions, and celery. You can do this by hand, but a food processor saves time and ensures an even texture. If you prefer a richer stuffing flavor, sauté the vegetables in a little butter or olive oil before mixing.

Mixing turkey, vegetables, and seasoning evenly

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped vegetables, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, beaten egg, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to blend just until incorporated—overmixing can make the texture dense. For more holiday turkey inspiration, check out our Easy Roast Turkey recipe.

Rolling perfect, uniform stuffing balls

Using a meatball scoop or large spoon, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each for even browning. If you’re planning to serve them at a party, making smaller, bite-sized balls is a fun option.

Baking vs. air frying – which method to choose?

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Air frying produces a crispier exterior while keeping the inside moist.

Looking for a cozy holiday side? Discover our Ultimate Green Bean Casserole for a perfect pairing.

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

Keeping meatballs moist and tender

Adding mushrooms isn’t just a nutrition boost—they keep the turkey juicy. You can also mix in a tablespoon of chicken broth or melted butter for extra moisture.

Balancing sweet and savory flavors

If your cranberries are extra sweet, balance them with a squeeze of lemon juice in the mix. For more savory depth, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

Freezing and reheating for meal prep convenience

Cool cooked stuffing balls completely before freezing on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15–18 minutes or until warmed through.

For safe handling of poultry, visit the USDA Turkey Preparation Guidelines.

Creative Ways to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

With homemade cranberry sauce

Nothing pairs better than tangy cranberry sauce. You can make a fresh batch from scratch or use leftover holiday sauce as a dipping side.

As a holiday appetizer with dipping sauces

Serve them on a platter with mini skewers and a variety of dips—honey mustard, herbed aioli, or even a maple-balsamic glaze. Check out our Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Bites for another sweet-savory appetizer idea.

In sliders, wraps, or grain bowls

Tuck these into mini rolls with lettuce and sauce for stuffing sliders, or add them to a warm grain bowl with roasted veggies for a complete winter meal.

FAQs About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and festive dish, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a holiday must-try. They combine all the best seasonal flavors into one easy recipe, perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. From appetizers to main courses, they’re as versatile as they are delicious.

Don’t miss our Better Than Bush’s Baked Beans for another crowd-pleasing side that pairs perfectly with these stuffing balls.

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