Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Looking for a creative way to serve your holiday leftovers? These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to your festive table. With a combination of shredded turkey, cranberries, and herbs, these delicious bites capture all the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bite-sized treat. They’re easy to make and a great way to impress guests with something a little different.

Why you’ll like it

These stuffing balls bring together the best parts of holiday meals—turkey, cranberries, and savory herbs—all packed into an easy-to-eat form. They’re perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even a main course. They also use up leftovers and bring a touch of creativity to your holiday feast.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bread crumbs
• 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup of onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup of celery, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large egg

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the stuffing mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley. Add the thyme, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
3. Add the liquid ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the egg. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined and moist. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth.
4. Form the stuffing balls: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer, with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These stuffing balls are perfect as a side dish or appetizer for your holiday meal. Pair them with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Helpful Notes

• You can make these stuffing balls ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake them from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• For an extra twist, you can add chopped nuts or diced apples for a sweet crunch.
• If you prefer a meat-free version, substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or chestnuts.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly as they have more moisture than dried ones.
2. Can I make these stuffing balls gluten-free?
   Yes! Substitute the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
   Absolutely! If you have leftover stuffing, you can mix it with the shredded turkey and cranberries, form it into balls, and bake them.
4. How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
   Make sure your mixture is moist enough by adding enough broth. The egg also helps bind the mixture, so ensure it’s well-mixed.
5. Can I add cheese to the stuffing balls?
   Yes, you can add shredded cheese such as cheddar or parmesan to the mixture for extra richness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use holiday leftovers in a creative, tasty dish. Whether served as appetizers, sides, or snacks, they capture the flavors of the season and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy, versatile, and perfect for any holiday gathering. Enjoy the savory and sweet combination in every bite!