Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite

When the holidays roll in, we all crave comfort, flavor, and something that feels just a bit special. If you’re searching for a delicious new twist on a holiday classic, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver everything you love about a Thanksgiving dinner—turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and savory herbs—rolled into one easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish.

Perfect as an appetizer, a side, or even the main course, these stuffing balls are moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They’re a fresh alternative to the traditional roast turkey, and because they’re rolled and baked, they’re ideal for meal prep, parties, or a simplified Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the kind of recipe that guests will ask for. They’re easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and festive enough to deserve a spot at the center of your holiday table.

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Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or looking for a fun fall dinner idea, these turkey stuffing balls check every box:

• All-in-one flavor: Every bite has the perfect balance of turkey, herbs, stuffing, and sweet cranberry.
• Meal-prep friendly: You can freeze them before or after baking for stress-free planning.
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors.
• Perfect for entertaining: Serve them as cocktail bites or with gravy for a hearty main course.
• Holiday-friendly: Ideal for different Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas appetizers, or cozy autumn dinners.

Looking for a complementary sweet treat? Serve these alongside pumpkin maple cookies or apple brownies for a complete seasonal menu.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Here’s everything you need to create 16–18 stuffing balls:

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 85–93% lean)
• 1½ cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional for serving: turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce

For stuffing, you can use leftover stuffing, or prepare your favorite boxed mix with chicken broth and butter, then let it cool to room temperature before mixing.

Looking for a side? Try these stuffed onions or a light cucumber Caesar salad to balance the richness.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

You’ll be happy to know that this recipe requires minimal equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meatball scooper or tablespoon
• Oven or air fryer
• Airtight containers for leftovers

If you want to make a large batch, consider prepping two trays and baking them side-by-side.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Step-by-Step)

These stuffing balls come together in just a few simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Ingredients
   In a large bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, stuffing, egg, cranberries, herbs, and seasonings until well combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs may become tough.
3. Form Balls
   Scoop out 1½-inch portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
4. Bake
   Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve Warm
   Enjoy with a drizzle of turkey gravy or a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

If you prefer air frying, cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You can also try them in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours for a crockpot turkey and stuffing variation.

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Serving Suggestions: From Appetizers to Mains

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are surprisingly versatile and can be styled to match the occasion.

• As appetizers: Serve warm with toothpicks and dipping sauces at a holiday party.
• As the main dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, and white bean salad for a satisfying meal.
• In a bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with gravy and roasted veggies.
• In a sandwich: Make holiday sliders with cranberry mustard or gravy mayo.
• With soup: Serve alongside garlic potato soup for a warm and cozy meal.

These are especially loved by kids when paired with simple sides like cheesy egg bake or sweet potatoes.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some tasty ways to switch it up:

• Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a lighter flavor.
• Substitute cranberries with chopped apples or raisins.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free stuffing mix.
• Add cheese like shredded cheddar or mozzarella for more richness.
• Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale for a veggie boost.

Want a vegetarian option for guests? Try baby veggie nuggets for a similar feel.

How to Store and Reheat

These stuffing balls are ideal for make-ahead meals, party prep, or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of broth or gravy to keep them moist.

These also reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Make-Ahead Holiday Meal Prep Tips

If you’re prepping for a big holiday event, here’s how to simplify your life with this recipe:

• Prep the mixture up to 1 day ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge.
• Freeze before baking: Roll and freeze raw balls, then bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
• Double or triple the batch for parties or large families.
• Label and store: Always label freezer bags with the date and reheating instructions.

These are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you need a quick holiday-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the meat: Makes them dense and chewy.
• Using dry stuffing: Add a splash of broth if your stuffing feels too crumbly.
• Skipping the egg: It binds the mixture together.
• Not testing for doneness: Always use a food thermometer (165°F is ideal).
• Overbaking: They’ll dry out—remove as soon as they hit the correct internal temp.

Even with these simple steps, the results are flavorful and festive.

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FAQ: Everything About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing?
Yes! This is an excellent way to repurpose leftovers, especially when combined with extra turkey.

What type of cranberries should I use?
Dried cranberries work best for texture and flavor, but you can use fresh or frozen chopped cranberries if you prefer more tartness.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free stuffing and checking your other ingredients.

Do they freeze well?
Yes. They’re perfect for freezing and reheating later—ideal for meal prep or post-holiday leftovers.

Conclusion: The Holiday Recipe Everyone Will Be Talking About

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday mashup—easy, flavorful, festive, and just different enough to surprise and delight your guests. Whether you serve them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or both, they bring all the comforting flavors of the season into one bite-sized bundle.

Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and loved by all ages, this recipe belongs in your collection of go-to holiday dishes. You can serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you’re craving a cozy, comforting turkey meal.

Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and explore more ideas for festive eats at RecipeSize.com. It might just become a new tradition.

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