Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

A Flavorful Twist on Holiday Classics

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to elevate your holiday feasts with a delicious twist. They combine the savory flavors of turkey and stuffing with the sweet tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful mouthful that every guest will love. Having made this recipe countless times, I can vouch for its charm and simplicity.

Why Make This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of turkey, seasoned stuffing, and cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein and fiber, these stuffing balls offer a nutritious option to accompany your holiday dishes.
3. Versatile: Ideal as a side dish for Thanksgiving or as a savory snack anytime, they can fit into any meal plan effortlessly.
4. Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, both novice and seasoned cooks can whip this up in no time.
5. Personal Touch: I love making these stuffing balls because they bring back fond memories of family gatherings, bringing warmth and joy to the dinner table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 balls
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cooking Method: Baking

This recipe involves mixing, rolling, and baking, making it a straightforward addition to your culinary repertoire.

My Experience Making This Recipe

When I first made Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they came together. Despite my initial hesitation about the mixture sticking together, the breadcrumbs and eggs provide just the right binding. This experience taught me the importance of letting the mixture rest before rolling for better handling.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

To create these delicious stuffing balls, you’ll start by mixing cooked turkey meat, dried cranberries, herbs, and stuffing breadcrumbs. After combining these ingredients, shape the mixture into small balls and bake until golden and crispy on the outside. The key techniques involve properly chopping your ingredients and ensuring the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape during baking.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme and sage can dramatically enhance the flavor profile of your stuffing balls.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense stuffing balls.
3. Chill the Mixture: If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before rolling. This helps it firm up.
4. Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes; this guarantees even cooking and makes serving easier.
5. Oven Thermometer: Use an oven thermometer to check your baking temperature. Reliable temperature ensures perfectly baked stuffing balls.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. As a Side Dish: They pair beautifully with traditional turkey and gravy, enhancing your holiday meal.
2. With Dipping Sauces: Serve with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a spicy mustard for a fun twist.
3. On a Charcuterie Board: These stuffing balls can add an appealing element to a platter alongside cheeses and cured meats.
4. For Appetizers: Make smaller versions for delightful finger foods at parties or family gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Guide

To store leftover stuffing balls, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional stuffing with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a suitable option.
2. Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to cater to lactose intolerant guests.
3. Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an interesting crunch and flavor complexity.
4. Spicy Kick: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Nutritional Highlights

These stuffing balls are a great source of lean protein from the turkey, while dried cranberries add natural sweetness and fiber. Being lower in fat than traditional stuffing, they can accommodate various dietary preferences. They do contain gluten (unless modified), so consider this if entertaining guests with specific dietary restrictions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Too Crumbly: If your stuffing balls fall apart, try adding a little more egg or broth to help bind the mixture.
2. Overcooked: To prevent drying out, keep an eye on them as they cook and check for a golden brown color.
3. Bland Flavor: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as necessary; don’t hesitate to add more herbs or salt if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Roll them into balls and bake when ready to serve.
2. What type of turkey should I use?
   Leftover cooked turkey works wonderfully, but you can also use ground turkey or rotisserie turkey for easier preparation.
3. How do I ensure they stay moist?
   Make sure your mixture has enough moisture from the broth or turkey. Additionally, avoid overbaking to maintain their juiciness.
4. Can I bake these stuffing balls in advance?
   Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving for best results.

Enjoy the cozy flavors of the season with these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Author: Nevaeh Hall
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 balls 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory turkey, seasoned stuffing, and sweet cranberries, perfect for holiday feasts or as a savory snack.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup stuffing breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: olive oil or dairy-free butter for binding

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked turkey, dried cranberries, stuffing breadcrumbs, eggs, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with sauces or as appetizers.

Notes

For best results, chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes if it feels too wet. Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg