These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about the holidays—savory stuffing, juicy ground turkey, and bursts of tart cranberries—all baked into golden, bite-sized portions. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course, they’re a fun twist on traditional stuffing.
I’m Sandy Wilder, and I’ve always believed holiday cooking should feel festive but approachable. I’m not a Michelin chef—just a mom who loves putting together cozy recipes that make family gatherings special. This dish is one of my favorite ways to add variety to the holiday table. (For a fresh side to serve alongside, try my cranberry apple coleslaw.)
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
A Twist on Classic Stuffing
Instead of serving stuffing in a casserole dish, rolling it into individual balls makes for easier serving and portion control. Plus, they bake up with deliciously crisp edges.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a potluck, these stuffing balls are a festive side dish that stands out. They’re also easy to make ahead, making holiday prep less stressful.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Festive & Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with savory herbs, juicy ground turkey, and bursts of tart cranberries. A festive twist on classic stuffing.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
½ cup chicken broth
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. In large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Add turkey, eggs, and broth. Mix until combined.
4. Roll into 1–1½-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
6. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead: Refrigerate unbaked stuffing balls up to 24 hours.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variation: Swap fresh cranberries for dried (soaked first).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, stuffing balls, holiday side dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this festive recipe:
- 1 lb ground turkey – lean, juicy, and mild enough to let herbs shine.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries – adds tart bursts of flavor.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – helps bind everything together.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs – the binder that keeps the balls intact.
- ½ cup chicken broth – adds moisture and depth.
- Olive oil – for drizzling before baking.
Tip: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use dried cranberries (reduce to ½ cup and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before mixing).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked stuffing balls:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
3. Add Turkey and Eggs
Incorporate ground turkey, beaten eggs, and chicken broth into the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined but not mushy.
4. Form the Balls
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1–1½-inch balls. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake Until Golden
Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Cool for 5 minutes before serving. These are great on their own, with gravy, or even with cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
How to Serve
- Serve as a side dish with roast turkey or ham.
- Offer as appetizers with toothpicks at parties.
- Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
Fun Variations
| Variation | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Stuffing Balls | Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture before baking. |
| Vegetable Boost | Add grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition—similar to my [zucchini rice casserole](https://www.eatsrecipes.com/zucchini-rice-casserole-stuffing-mix-recipe/). |
| Sweet & Savory | Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries and chopped apples for a sweeter bite. |
Tips for Success
- Keep mixture moist: Add extra broth if the mix feels dry.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid tough stuffing balls.
- Make ahead: Form and refrigerate the balls up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQ About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to plump them up.
Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and freeze on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and store up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well if that’s what you have on hand.
What sauce goes best with these?
Gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a creamy herb dip makes a great pairing.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are festive, flavorful, and easy to make. They’re a creative alternative to traditional stuffing, with crisp edges, juicy turkey, and tart cranberries in every bite.
I’ve tested this recipe for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews. Try serving them with a fresh side like cranberry apple coleslaw and finish the meal with white chocolate cranberry cookies for a cranberry-themed feast.
