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.

Yes, ground chicken works well if that’s what you have on hand.

Gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a creamy herb dip makes a great pairing.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with savory herbs, juicy ground turkey, and bursts of tart cranberries. A festive twist on classic stuffing.

Scale

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

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.

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).

Keywords: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, stuffing balls, holiday side dish