Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your dinner table, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are just the ticket! They’re not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. I love how the sweet and tart cranberries pair beautifully with the savory turkey, creating a harmony of tastes that everyone will enjoy.

These stuffing balls are versatile enough to serve as a side dish or even as a main course when paired with a fresh salad. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tasty combination of turkey and cranberries.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these stuffing balls in advance and bake them just before serving.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Each bite is packed with comforting flavors, perfect for cozy dinners.
• Healthy Option: Using ground turkey keeps this dish leaner without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll need to create these delightful Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls. You’ll find that these items are easy to source and come together beautifully!

For the Stuffing Balls

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing!

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
• Add extra veggies: Mix in chopped carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want to kick up the heat.

How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffing balls cook evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the dried bread cubes, cranberries, celery, and onion. This combination forms the base of our stuffing balls. The bread absorbs all those lovely flavors while adding great texture!

Step 3: Make the Turkey Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well is crucial because it helps distribute all those delicious flavors throughout the turkey.

Step 4: Form Balls

Now comes the fun part! Add the turkey mixture into the bowl with the bread cubes. Gently combine everything until fully mixed. Then shape this mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. This step is important because shaping them uniformly helps ensure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Finally, pop those beautiful stuffing balls into your preheated oven! Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time will make it hard to wait!

And there you have it—your very own delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ready to impress at any dinner table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making cranberry & turkey stuffing balls is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they’re a hit at your dinner table!

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread cubes absorb moisture better and help create the perfect texture for your stuffing balls.
• Chill the Mixture: Allow the turkey mixture to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming the balls. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add or substitute herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Adjust the Size: If you prefer smaller bites, feel free to make mini versions of these stuffing balls. Just reduce the baking time slightly.
• Check for Doneness: To ensure they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

These cranberry & turkey stuffing balls are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a side of tangy cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor that complements the stuffing balls beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil offers a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes elevate any meal. The garlic adds depth while balancing the flavors of the stuffing balls.
• Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffing.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa pilaf with nuts and dried fruits can add another layer of flavor and nutrition to your dinner spread.

Enjoy these scrumptious cranberry & turkey stuffing balls as part of your next meal! They’re sure to become a family favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and store them, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Arrange the cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual stuffing balls for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe while still maintaining that flavorful stuffing ball taste.

How can I make these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the dried bread cubes with gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free!

Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or parsley, or even diced vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

How long do these stuffing balls last in the freezer?

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label your container with the date!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls as much as I do! They bring together wonderful flavors and textures that are sure to delight your family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try them!