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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Crispy-on-the-outside, tender-inside stuffing balls packed with savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and classic holiday aromatics—ideal for appetizers, sides, or using up leftovers.
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Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 18 balls
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
  • 1 Skillet for sautéing aromatics
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1 tsp fresh sage chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Stuffing Mixture

  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes lightly packed
  • 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth plus more as needed
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional

Finish & Serve

  • 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil for brushing
  • Warm gravy or cranberry sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep & Sauté

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until soft, 5–7 minutes. Stir in sage, salt, and pepper; cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat.

Mix & Shape

  • In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, chopped turkey, dried cranberries, sautéed aromatics, beaten egg, and 1/2 cup broth. Toss gently until the mixture holds together when pressed. If dry, add broth 1 tbsp at a time.
  • Use a scoop or damp hands to shape 1½–2-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

Bake & Serve

  • Brush tops lightly with melted butter or oil. Bake 18–25 minutes, until golden and heated through. For extra crisp edges, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  • Let cool 5 minutes to set. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Notes

For a nuttier twist, fold in 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans. If using packaged stuffing mix in place of bread cubes, reduce added salt. Leftovers reheat best in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 45gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14g
Keyword cranberry, Leftovers, Stuffing Balls, Turkey
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