CRANBERRY TURKEY STUFFING BALLS ULTIMATE

Imagine popping a perfectly bite-sized sphere of Thanksgiving bliss into your mouth: savory turkey, herbaceous stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries all harmonizing in one delightful package. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only incredibly delicious, but also a brilliant way to repurpose those holiday leftovers into a festive and easy-to-eat treat. Get ready to roll your way to a culinary masterpiece; I promise, these will be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 4 cups leftover Homemade Stuffing (slightly dry is ideal)
• 2 cups diced cooked turkey
• 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought), roughly chopped if chunky
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture

For the Optional Dipping Sauce (recommended):

• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Let’s Talk Turkey (and Stuffing): Key to Success

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about a few things that will make your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls truly shine. First, the stuffing! Slightly dry stuffing is your friend here. If your leftover stuffing is too moist, it’ll be harder to form the balls and they might fall apart while baking. If it’s too wet, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to dry it out a bit. You can also use a mix of different types of bread in your Homemade Stuffing. For the turkey, diced is key! Make sure the pieces are small enough to easily incorporate into the stuffing mixture.

And speaking of cranberries, feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re a cranberry fanatic, go ahead and add a little extra! If you want a different flavor dimension, dried cranberries soaked in warm water or orange juice for a few minutes can also work beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Rolling into Flavor

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, diced cooked turkey, chopped cranberry sauce, celery, and onion.
3. If you’re using nuts, add them now.

Step 2: Bind It Together

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg and chicken broth.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture and gently mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the stuffing to hold its shape.
3. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and gently fold it in.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the stuffing and turkey are already seasoned, so taste as you go!

Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up!

1. Using your hands (or a small cookie scoop for uniform size), form the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls.
2. Place the stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are heated through and lightly golden brown.
2. If you want them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 5: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended)

1. While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the dipping sauce.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cranberry Sauce, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more honey for sweetness, mustard for tang, or cayenne for a little kick.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
3. Watch them disappear!

Variations and Swaps: Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to experiment and adapt it to your own taste preferences and available ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Please: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor and richness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture for a little heat.
• Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You could even make Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls and then add the cranberries!

Tips and Tricks for Stuffing Ball Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a smashing success:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the stuffing mixture can result in tough stuffing balls. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just moistened.
• Chill Out: If the stuffing mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This will make it easier to form the balls.
• Even Baking: For even baking, make sure the stuffing balls are all the same size.
• 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 add a few extra minutes to the baking time. These are also great for making ahead if you are also making Roast Turkey.
• Freezing: Baked stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
• Presentation Matters: Garnish the serving platter with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. You could even serve these on a cheese board alongside a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball!

Why These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Are a Must-Try

Seriously, these aren’t just *any* leftover recipe. They’re fun to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight snack. The combination of savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and herbaceous stuffing is simply irresistible. And that dipping sauce? It’s the perfect finishing touch!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your leftover Thanksgiving ingredients, get your rolling pin ready, and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for more. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Savory turkey, herbaceous stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberries combine in bite-sized spheres, perfect as appetizers or snacks. Serve them with a flavorful cranberry Dijon dipping sauce for an ultimate taste experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups leftover homemade stuffing, slightly dry
• 2 cups diced cooked turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce, roughly chopped if chunky
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce for dipping sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard for dipping sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for dipping sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for dipping sauce
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for dipping sauce

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, diced cooked turkey, chopped cranberry sauce, celery, and onion. Add nuts if using.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg and chicken broth.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture and gently mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and gently fold it in.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Using your hands (or a small cookie scoop), form the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls.
8. Place the stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are heated through and lightly golden brown. Broil for the last minute or two for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using).
11. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dipping sauce as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, mustard for tang, or cayenne for a little kick.
12. Remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
13. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Slightly dry stuffing works best. If your stuffing is too moist, bake it at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry it out. Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to your liking. For a different flavor dimension, dried cranberries soaked in warm water or orange juice can be used. Don’t overmix the stuffing mixture. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling if it’s too sticky. Prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking (add a few extra minutes to the baking time). Baked stuffing balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Experiment with different herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. Replace the turkey with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.