If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into one delightful bite, the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes leftover turkey and stuffing, then transforms them into perfectly bite-sized morsels bursting with juicy turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs. They’re easy to make, wonderfully portable, and the ideal way to enjoy all the best holiday tastes—whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, color, or a burst of flavor that ties everything together. These humble pantry staples come together to create something truly special and satisfying.
- 2 cups leftover turkey, finely chopped: The star protein that gives these balls their hearty, meaty base.
- 3 cups prepared day-old stuffing, loosely packed: Adds softness and those classic holiday herb flavors, making the mixture easy to shape.
- ½ cup dried cranberries or ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce: Brings a sweet-tart pop that brightens every bite and adds a beautiful festive color contrast.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold everything together without overpowering.
- ¼–½ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey stock, as needed: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory depth.
- ¼ cup very finely diced onion (optional): Gives a subtle sweetness and crunch, if you enjoy a little extra savory bite.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional): For a gentle aromatic kick that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous balance and beautiful green flecks.
- ¾–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste: Essential for lifting all the flavors and seasoning the mixture perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
- Neutral oil spray for the pan: Helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior without sogginess.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by gathering your leftover turkey and stuffing in a large bowl. Add the dried cranberries or cranberry sauce, beaten egg, and chicken or turkey stock. If you’re using onion and garlic, fold those in now along with the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Combine everything gently but thoroughly until it’s evenly mixed. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape—adjust with stock if needed.
Step 2: Form the Stuffing Balls
With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into golf-ball-sized spheres. Don’t make them too large, or they might be tricky to cook through evenly. This size ensures a perfect crispy outside with a tender center. Place each formed ball on a plate or tray as you go.
Step 3: Prepare to Cook
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with neutral oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures those balls brown beautifully. You can also bake them if you prefer—a method I’ll mention later.
Step 4: Cook the Stuffing Balls
Place the balls in the hot skillet, spacing them out comfortably. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently to develop an even golden crust. Be patient and avoid overcrowding so they crisp properly rather than steam. They should firm up nicely and be heated through after this step.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the cranberry turkey stuffing balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then serve warm. Their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior make them irresistible finger food perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of leftover cranberry sauce makes an excellent garnish, brightening the look and adding fresh aroma. If you like a little zing, a touch of orange zest grated on top can elevate the flavor further and make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
These stuffing balls shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. Their warm, savory, and slightly sweet profile balances heavier dishes wonderfully and adds fun variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe on wooden skewers with small cubes of roasted turkey and a dab of cranberry sauce between each ball for a festive appetizer. Another fun idea is to serve them nestled in small lettuce cups with a tangy mustard dressing for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them great for quick snacks or meal additions throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked cranberry turkey stuffing balls in single layers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. Frozen balls will last up to 3 months. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious recipe anytime without the extra prep.
Reheating
When ready to eat, reheat the balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture—reheating in the oven or toaster oven keeps the crispy exterior intact and the inside perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! If you have freshly cooked turkey, just chop it finely and use it in place of leftovers. Just be sure it’s cooled and not too moist to prevent the mixture from becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have stuffing prepared?
You can use store-bought stuffing mix prepared according to package instructions, or make a simple bread stuffing with herbs and broth. The key is to have loosely packed stuffing that’s moist but not mushy.
Can I bake the stuffing balls instead of frying?
Yes! Place the balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get evenly crispy all over. Baking is a great hands-off option if you’re making a large batch.
Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free stuffing or bread. Be sure all your ingredients, especially stock and seasonings, are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or cheese?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans add great crunch, and a bit of shredded cheese can add richness. Just fold them into the mixture before shaping so they’re evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that takes simple leftovers and turns them into something irresistibly tasty and festive. Whether you make them for holiday gatherings or to brighten up an ordinary weeknight meal, these flavorful bites never fail to bring smiles. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite way to enjoy classic turkey and stuffing!
PrintCranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive way to use leftover turkey and stuffing. These bite-sized treats combine tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, tangy cranberries, and savory seasonings, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for holiday meals or anytime you want a comforting, easy-to-eat snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 stuffing balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared day-old stuffing, loosely packed
- ½ cup dried cranberries or ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼–½ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey stock, as needed
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup very finely diced onion (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- ¾–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Neutral oil spray for the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped leftover turkey, prepared stuffing, and dried cranberries or cranberry sauce. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic if using, then stir in the beaten egg and chopped parsley to bind everything together. Season well with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add stock gradually: Pour in ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken or turkey stock initially, stirring gently to moisten the mixture. If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly to form balls, add additional stock a tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together well but is not too wet.
- Form the balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, packing them firmly enough so they hold their shape.
- Preheat the pan: Lightly spray a non-stick or cast iron skillet with neutral oil and place it over medium heat to warm up.
- Cook the stuffing balls: Place the stuffing balls in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are browned and crisp on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, cooking in batches if necessary. The balls should be heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, transfer the cranberry turkey stuffing balls to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a flavorful appetizer or side dish alongside your favorite holiday meals.
Notes
- If using cranberry sauce instead of dried cranberries, reduce the added stock slightly as cranberry sauce adds moisture.
- Leftover stuffing should be loosely packed to avoid dense stuffing balls; if too dense, add more stock accordingly.
- You can bake these in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, if you prefer not to cook on the stovetop.
- Adding minced garlic and onion enhances flavor but can be omitted for simpler taste or dietary preferences.
- Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness since stuffing and turkey can be salty already.
