Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. They are tasty, easy to prepare, and combine savory and sweet flavors. These stuffing balls are perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers. Plus, using ground turkey makes them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They pair well with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also serve them alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal. They are great for sharing and are sure to please your guests.
How to Store Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Make sure to chop the onion and celery finely for better texture.
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor, but dried herbs can work too if fresh ones are not available.
- For added flavor, you can mix in some grated cheese or nuts.
- Be careful not to overmix the ingredients; it can make the stuffing balls tough.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different ingredients. For example, consider adding chopped nuts for crunch, or substituting the cranberries with raisins or apple for a different sweetness. You can also try using different ground meats like chicken or pork.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just shape and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
Q: Can I bake these stuffing balls in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can! Cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness regularly.
Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Delightful stuffing balls that combine savory turkey with sweet cranberries, perfect for holiday feasts or family dinners.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage or thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Great for appetizers or side dishes. Pair with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg