Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing transforms a holiday classic into something extraordinary. These delightful stuffing balls are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Each ball features a crispy exterior that gives way to a moist, savory filling of ground turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for your festive table, this recipe will impress your guests and elevate your holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

There are countless reasons to adore this Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing. Firstly, each bite brings a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite for both adults and kids. Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate cranberries into your Thanksgiving feast, adding a unique twist to traditional turkey stuffing. Additionally, the use of ground turkey makes it a healthier option, perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste. This recipe is not only gluten-free but also easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. Lastly, these stuffing balls are versatile; they can be served as appetizers or as a side dish, fitting seamlessly into any holiday spread.

Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Gather these items:

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley

How to Make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked turkey aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: In a very large mixing bowl, gently pour 1/4 cup warm chicken broth over 1 cup breadcrumbs. Add the turkey and aromatic mixture from the skillet. Gently toss and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
Step 5: Add 2 lightly beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape when squeezed.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Using a medium scoop or your hands, form the stuffing mixture into firm, round balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Step 7: Remove the Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing balls from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm as a delightful side dish or festive appetizer.

Pro Tips for the Best Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the ground turkey is well-browned for a richer flavor.
Do not overmix the stuffing mixture; it should be moist but not soggy.
Feel free to add chopped nuts or other herbs for added texture and flavor.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep; make it ahead and bake just before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

These stuffing balls shine as a standalone appetizer but can also complement a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy mix, or pair them with a cranberry sauce for added sweetness. They also work wonderfully as a side dish for your main course, making them a versatile option for any holiday gathering.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Holiday Cheers - Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

To store, place any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. These stuffing balls are great for meal prep and can be made in advance for your holiday celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

What’s the secret to perfect Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?

The key to perfect Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing lies in balancing the flavors. Using fresh herbs and ensuring the right moisture level in the mixture will guarantee a delicious outcome.

Can I make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just assemble the balls and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making it a fantastic option for holiday meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?

To avoid mistakes, ensure that you don’t overbake the stuffing balls, as this can dry them out. Always check for doneness and let them rest before serving to enhance their texture.

Variations of Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing You Can Try

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding chopped apples for a sweet crunch or incorporating sausage for a heartier flavor. You can also make these stuffing balls gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Another idea is to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to create your own unique flavor profile.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Holiday Cheers - Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category. If you’re looking for a great side dish, consider our Roasted Carrot Soup or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil. You can also learn about the nutritional benefits of onions to enhance your cooking.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Holiday Cheers

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Transforming a holiday classic, these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer perfectly crisp exteriors and wonderfully moist, flavorful interiors.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked turkey aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
In a very large mixing bowl, gently pour 1/4 cup warm chicken broth over 1 cup breadcrumbs. Add the turkey and aromatic mixture from the skillet. Gently toss and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
Add 2 lightly beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is moist enough to hold its shape when squeezed.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Using a medium scoop or your hands, form the stuffing mixture into firm, round balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Remove the Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm as a delightful side dish or festive appetizer.