Tired of the same old side dishes? Imagine all the classic flavors of a Thanksgiving plate—savory herb stuffing, juicy turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce—rolled into one irresistible, golden-brown, handheld bite. That’s the magic of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.
These are the ultimate holiday hack. They’re not only incredibly delicious but also solve the problem of space in the oven. While the turkey rests, you can pop these in and have a hot, festive appetizer or side dish ready in minutes. They’re fun for kids, elegant for guests, and so much easier to serve than a sprawling casserole dish of stuffing.
Get ready to make a new tradition that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Flavors, One Bite: Captures the essence of Thanksgiving in a perfectly portioned morsel.
Oven Space Savior: Bakes quickly in a compact space, freeing up the oven for other holiday essentials.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Served with gravy for dipping, they are the perfect start to a festive meal.
Great for Leftovers: This is a fantastic and creative way to use up leftover turkey and stuffing after the big day.
Gathering Your Ingredients (Makes 18-20 Balls)
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade components.
4 cups prepared stuffing (herb-seasoned, cooled)*
1 ½ cups cooked turkey, finely shredded or diced
½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional Add-ins: ¼ cup finely chopped celery or onion sautéed until soft, 1 teaspoon of fresh sage or thyme, ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
*Note on Stuffing: You can use 4 cups of leftover prepared stuffing OR make a quick version from a boxed mix (like Stove Top) according to package directions. Let it cool completely before using.
The Simple Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooled stuffing, diced turkey, and cranberry sauce.
Pour in the beaten egg and ¼ cup of broth. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula. The goal is a mixture that holds together when pressed.
Texture Check: Squeeze a small amount in your palm. If it doesn’t hold its shape, add more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it does.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons each).
Roll firmly into compact, golf ball-sized spheres. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of each stuffing ball lightly with the melted butter. This will help them achieve a beautiful, crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the outsides are firm and crispy and the bottoms are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes on the pan before serving—the inside will be very hot!
Serve warm as an appetizer with a side of gravy or extra cranberry sauce for dipping, or as a side dish on your holiday plate.
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