Looking for a creative way to serve your holiday leftovers? These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to your festive table. With a combination of shredded turkey, cranberries, and herbs, these delicious bites capture all the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bite-sized treat. They're easy to make and a great way to impress guests with something a little different.
Why you'll like it
These stuffing balls bring together the best parts of holiday meals—turkey, cranberries, and savory herbs—all packed into an easy-to-eat form. They’re perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even a main course. They also use up leftovers and bring a touch of creativity to your holiday feast.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of bread crumbs
- 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
- ½ cup of dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup of onion, finely diced
- ½ cup of celery, diced
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley. Add the thyme, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Add the liquid ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the egg. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined and moist. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth.
- Form the stuffing balls: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer, with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These stuffing balls are perfect as a side dish or appetizer for your holiday meal. Pair them with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Helpful Notes
- You can make these stuffing balls ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake them from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- For an extra twist, you can add chopped nuts or diced apples for a sweet crunch.
- If you prefer a meat-free version, substitute the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or chestnuts.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly as they have more moisture than dried ones. - Can I make these stuffing balls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free. - Can I use leftover stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover stuffing, you can mix it with the shredded turkey and cranberries, form it into balls, and bake them. - How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is moist enough by adding enough broth. The egg also helps bind the mixture, so ensure it’s well-mixed. - Can I add cheese to the stuffing balls?
Yes, you can add shredded cheese such as cheddar or parmesan to the mixture for extra richness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use holiday leftovers in a creative, tasty dish. Whether served as appetizers, sides, or snacks, they capture the flavors of the season and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy, versatile, and perfect for any holiday gathering. Enjoy the savory and sweet combination in every bite!
