Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

These cranberry and turkey stuffing balls transform holiday leftovers into something truly magical. I discovered this recipe after Thanksgiving when faced with containers of turkey and unused cranberries, and it's now become our family tradition for the days following any holiday feast.

I first made these on a chilly November evening when we couldn't bear another turkey sandwich. My children who normally turn their noses up at leftovers devoured these and now specifically request that I save turkey just to make them.

Ingredients

• Bread crumbs form the foundation and provide perfect texture
• Cooked turkey adds protein and that distinctive holiday flavor
• Dried cranberries bring sweetness and tartness to balance the savory elements
• Onion and celery create the aromatic base that makes these taste like traditional stuffing
• Fresh parsley brightens the entire dish with color and fresh flavor
• Chicken broth moistens the mixture without making it soggy
• Dried thyme gives that classic stuffing herb flavor
• Egg acts as the binding agent to hold everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly simple. If you don't have parchment, a light coating of cooking spray works well too.

Mix The Base Ingredients

Combine bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, diced onion and celery, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Use your hands to distribute everything evenly so each ball will have all the flavors. Make sure your turkey is shredded rather than chunked for the best texture.

Season The Mixture

Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the bowl. These seasonings are crucial for developing that classic stuffing flavor. The thyme especially brings warmth and herbaceous notes that complement the turkey perfectly.

Bind Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth followed by the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a consistent texture throughout. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet. If it seems too dry, add more broth one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.

Form And Bake

Using about two tablespoons of mixture for each, roll into balls between your palms. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a small space between each. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and heated through. The outside should be slightly crisp while the inside remains moist.

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My absolute favorite moment with this recipe was when my mother in law asked for the recipe after trying them at our post Christmas lunch. She's usually the one sharing family recipes, so having her request one of mine felt like a true culinary achievement.

Storage Tips

These stuffing balls maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months frozen. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes from refrigerated or 20 minutes from frozen until heated through.

Creative Variations

While this recipe calls for turkey, you can substitute leftover chicken, ham, or even cooked sausage with equally delicious results. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and increase the vegetables. The chicken broth can be swapped for vegetable broth. For those who enjoy heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño creates a wonderful contrast to the sweet cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile stuffing balls shine in multiple settings. Serve them as an appetizer with cranberry sauce for dipping at holiday gatherings. They make an excellent side dish alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a lovely lunch, place them atop a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. During chilly months, they're wonderful alongside soup for a comforting dinner.

Historical Connection

Stuffing balls have roots in British cuisine, where similar recipes have been used to stretch ingredients during lean times. This modern version reflects the American tradition of transforming holiday leftovers into new meals. The addition of cranberries is particularly American, as they've been part of our holiday traditions since the early colonial period.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I freeze these turkey stuffing balls?

Yes! These stuffing balls freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely after baking, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for turkey?

Chicken makes an excellent substitute for turkey in this recipe. You could also try cooked ham, roast beef, or for a vegetarian option, use mushrooms that have been finely chopped and sautéed to remove excess moisture.

→ How do I prevent the stuffing balls from falling apart?

If your mixture seems too dry or crumbly, add a bit more chicken broth or an extra egg. Make sure to really compress the balls when shaping them. Allowing the mixture to rest for 10 minutes before forming the balls can also help the ingredients bind together better.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it covered, then form and bake the balls when needed. Alternatively, you can form the balls, refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve. Already baked balls can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

→ What dipping sauces work well with these stuffing balls?

While gravy and cranberry sauce are traditional accompaniments, these stuffing balls also pair wonderfully with honey mustard, garlic aioli, warm maple syrup with a touch of cinnamon, or a simple herb yogurt dip made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, simply substitute the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free, as some commercial brands contain gluten-based additives.