Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a savory blend of turkey, herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone cozying up, lured by the irresistible scent of the holidays.
These delightful little morsels are not just food; they’re memories waiting to happen. I remember my grandmother making these every Thanksgiving, her laughter mixing with the sounds of family banter as we gathered around the table. Whether for Thanksgiving dinner or just a cozy family gathering, these stuffing balls promise to transport you back to those cherished moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These scrumptious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests
- The unique flavor profile combines savory turkey with sweet cranberries for a delightful bite
- Their beautiful golden color makes them visually appealing on any platter or dinner table
- Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they adapt well to various occasions and tastes
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option that still delivers great flavor and texture.
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for plump, fresh cranberries to add that perfect tartness which contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
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Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs for binding ingredients together while absorbing all those delightful juices.
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Onion: Finely chop one medium onion; it adds sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances every bite.
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Celery: Two stalks of celery provide crunchiness and freshness; don’t skip this step!
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Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper elevate the stuffing balls, making them bursting with flavor.
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Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder, keeping everything together so you don’t end up with a crumbly mess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray so those tasty treats don’t stick.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté until softened—about five minutes—while inhaling that heavenly aroma.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, herbs, spices, and eggs. Get ready for some serious squishing here; use your hands to mix everything together until well combined!
Step 4: Form the Balls
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re feeling fancy), roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Slide those beauties into your preheated oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—this is when your whole house starts smelling like Thanksgiving!
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the stuffing balls onto a serving platter. You can drizzle some gravy on top or serve them plain; either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the cranberry sauce!”
Now grab your family or friends (or just yourself) and dig in! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent snack during movie night—because who says comfort food needs an occasion? Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry turkey stuffing balls are more than just a festive treat; they bring a burst of flavor and holiday cheer to any table
- The blend of savory turkey and tart cranberries creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the turkey until it’s golden brown. While it rests, sauté onions and celery until tender. Then, combine everything in a bowl with breadcrumbs and cranberries. Roll them into balls and bake until they reach that golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raisins or add chopped nuts for crunch. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even throw in some cheese for an extra layer of flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs to elevate flavors significantly; dried ones may not deliver the same punch
- Ensure your stuffing balls are uniform in size for even cooking
- Always let your turkey rest before slicing to lock in juices
I remember the first time I made these cranberry turkey stuffing balls for Thanksgiving. My family devoured them within minutes, asking if I could make them every holiday! Their smiles were all the encouragement I needed to keep perfecting this recipe.
FAQs:
What are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are flavorful bite-sized treats made from turkey and stuffing, mixed with cranberries for a delightful twist. These savory snacks are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting dish during family dinners. Each ball combines moist turkey meat with the rich flavors of traditional stuffing and sweet-tart cranberries, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies your taste buds. They can be baked or fried, making them versatile and easy to prepare.
How do you make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, start by cooking ground turkey until it’s brown and cooked through. In a large bowl, combine the turkey with prepared stuffing mix, chopped cranberries, eggs, and seasonings. Form the mixture into small balls and either bake them in the oven or fry them in a skillet until golden brown. Serve these delicious bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Can I prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time. After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for later use. When you’re ready to cook them, simply bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious recipe whenever you want!
What can I serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with various dips and sides. Consider serving them with cranberry sauce for added sweetness or a tangy mustard dip for contrast. They also complement side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables beautifully. These tasty morsels can be enjoyed as an appetizer at parties or as part of your main meal during the holidays.
Conclusion for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a unique blend of flavors that elevate your dining experience. With their combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, they make an ideal appetizer or side dish during festive occasions. You can easily prepare these delightful snacks ahead of time or enjoy them fresh from the oven. Their versatility allows you to serve them in various ways, making every meal special. Try this recipe to impress your guests and savor the deliciousness!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful combination of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberries, making them the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. With their crispy golden exterior and flavorful filling, these bite-sized treats evoke cherished memories of festive celebrations. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests and warm hearts at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, cranberries, parsley, thyme, eggs, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce or gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls (90g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
