Are you tired of the same old Thanksgiving leftovers? Imagine biting into a savory ball of seasoned stuffing, studded with sweet cranberries and tender turkey, all in one delightful bite. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect way to reinvent your post-holiday feast, and I promise you, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before!
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 4 cups leftover stuffing (any kind works, but I love using a sage and onion stuffing!)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Coatings:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
For Serving:
- Extra cranberry sauce, for dipping
- Gravy, for dipping (optional)
Let’s Talk Turkey (and Cranberries and Stuffing!) – Ingredient Deep Dive
Okay, my friend, let’s break down these ingredients because I want you to feel confident and comfortable. Don’t feel limited by my specific ingredient suggestions; this recipe is all about using what you have on hand and making it your own!
Stuffing Savvy
First up: the stuffing! Seriously, any leftover stuffing will work. If you went with a Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole as a side, the sweetness will combine wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Turkey Time
Next, the turkey. Shredded or diced, it doesn’t matter! Just make sure it’s cooked. If you are feeling creative, you could use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of turkey.
Cranberry Bliss
Cranberry sauce is the sweet and tart glue that holds everything together. Homemade is fantastic, but don’t feel pressured. The store-bought kind works perfectly well. If you have some leftover Christmas Cranberry Roll-ups, the cranberry sauce inside will make a fantastic addition.
Binding Agents
The egg and flour are our binding agents. The egg helps everything stick together, and the flour absorbs any excess moisture. Feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend if needed – these stuffing balls are all about inclusivity!
Flavor Boosters
Parsley adds a touch of freshness. Salt and pepper? Essential. Don’t be shy; season to your taste!
Optional Coatings – Because Why Not?
Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy exterior. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory bite. Dried herbs elevate the flavor profile. These are all optional, but highly recommended for that extra “oomph.”
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Leftovers to Loveliness
Alright, let’s get down to business. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are surprisingly easy to make, but I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t worry, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this!
Step 1: Mix It Up
- In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
Step 2: Forming the Balls
- Sprinkle the flour onto a plate.
- Using your hands (or a cookie scoop for even sizing), form the stuffing mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Gently roll each ball in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated. This will help them hold their shape and get crispy when baked.
Step 3: Coating (Optional, but Awesome)
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs (if using).
- Roll each flour-coated stuffing ball in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Step 4: Baking Time
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce for dipping, or gravy if you’re feeling fancy.
- Prepare a Thanksgiving Punch to make the appetizer perfect.
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks: Because Life Happens
Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
Stuffing Balls Falling Apart?
If your stuffing balls are falling apart, it likely means the mixture is too dry. Add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or melted butter to the mixture until it becomes more cohesive.
Stuffing Balls Too Wet?
If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Breadcrumbs Not Sticking?
Make sure the stuffing balls are lightly coated in flour before rolling them in the breadcrumbs. You can also lightly spray the breadcrumb-coated balls with cooking spray to help the crumbs adhere better.
Browning Too Quickly?
If the stuffing balls are browning too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations and Adaptations: Make It Your Own!
This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
Spice It Up!
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture for a little kick.
Cheese, Please!
Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese for extra flavor.
Nuts About It!
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing mixture for a nutty crunch.
Go Gourmet!
Use different types of cranberries, like dried cranberries or cranberry relish.
Add some Spice
A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg will spice up your dish and provide a unique flavor profile.
Consider pairing with a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions: Plan Like a Pro
Make Ahead
You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Storage
Leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked stuffing balls. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen stuffing balls to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven until heated through.
Why These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Are a Winner
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile, budget-friendly (hello, leftover makeover!), and perfect for entertaining. They’re a fun and festive way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Plus, they are much easier to handle than a Thanksgiving Piecaken Dessert, and leave less mess!
Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Stuff!
So, my friend, there you have it – everything you need to create these amazing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and happy eating!
Can I use any kind of stuffing for this recipe?
Yes, any leftover stuffing will work. The recipe author suggests that even a sweet stuffing, like one similar to Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, will combine wonderfully with the other ingredients.
What can I do if my stuffing balls are falling apart?
If your stuffing balls are falling apart, the mixture is likely too dry. Add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or melted butter until the mixture becomes more cohesive.
How long can I store leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Are the breadcrumb and parmesan cheese coatings essential for the recipe?
No, the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs are optional coatings. While recommended for added flavor and texture, the stuffing balls will still be delicious without them.
Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Sprinkle the flour onto a plate.
- Using your hands (or a cookie scoop), form the stuffing mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Gently roll each ball in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated.
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs (if using).
- Roll each flour-coated stuffing ball in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- Let the stuffing balls cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce for dipping, or gravy if desired.
