Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful dish that brings together the festive flavors of Thanksgiving in a bite-sized treat. They combine the savory taste of turkey with the sweetness of cranberries, making them a perfect side or appetizer. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed veggies, cranberries, breadcrumbs, eggs, thyme, and sage. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small balls using about two tablespoons per ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the turkey stuffing balls cool slightly before serving them warm.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete meal.
How to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
After cooking, let the stuffing balls cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for more extended storage. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- To ensure the balls hold together well, mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- You can adjust the amount of cranberries based on your taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more.
- Experiment with herbs. If you don’t have fresh thyme or sage, dried herbs work too, but use them sparingly.
Variation
For a holiday twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the balls and bake them when ready to serve.
What can I serve with cranberry turkey stuffing balls?
They pair well with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a simple yogurt dip for added flavor.
Can I bake these without the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs, but the texture might change. You could consider adding some cooked quinoa or rice as a substitute.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Delicious bite-sized treats that combine the savory flavors of turkey with the sweetness of cranberries, perfect for appetizers or sides during Thanksgiving.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed veggies, cranberries, breadcrumbs, eggs, thyme, and sage. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small balls using about two tablespoons per ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the turkey stuffing balls cool slightly before serving them warm.
Notes
These stuffing balls can be served as an appetizer or side dish. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 140mg