Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful dish that perfectly marries the flavors of turkey, bread stuffing, and cranberries into a bite-sized treat. These savory-sweet morsels make an excellent addition to any holiday feast, especially Thanksgiving, where turkey is the star of the show. The combination of moist turkey, aromatic herbs, and the tartness of cranberries creates a unique flavor profile that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, these stuffing balls are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect choice for busy holiday cooking.
Ingredients:
- For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (or stuffing mix)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, eggs, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well until all ingredients are combined. It’s best to use your hands for this step to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Form the Balls Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow for even cooking and browning.
Step 5: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the balls are golden brown. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional) While the turkey stuffing balls are baking, you can prepare the glaze if desired. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Heat over low until warmed and mixed. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the stuffing balls perfectly.
Step 7: Glaze the Balls (Optional) Once the stuffing balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the glaze over them for added flavor and shine. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes if you want the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Variation
Feel free to customize these stuffing balls to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, try using a combination of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and vegetable broth instead of meat. You can also add additional ingredients like diced celery, shredded carrots, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Cooking Note
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you prefer to freeze them, form the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from the freezer, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffing balls warm, either plain or drizzled with the cranberry glaze. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad. Consider serving them as part of a larger buffet spread for the holidays or as a tasty appetizer during parties.
Tips:
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth; if it’s too wet, add more bread crumbs.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls for even cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste, such as rosemary or oregano.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per stuffing ball
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, dried cranberries work well in this recipe and will provide a sweeter flavor.
Can these be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or stuffing mix to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long do leftovers last? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them before baking. You can also freeze them for later use.
What can I serve with these stuffing balls? They pair well with cranberry sauce, gravy, or your favorite dipping sauce. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that will elevate your holiday meals. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Easy to prepare and even easier to customize, these stuffing balls are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course component, they bring the essence of Thanksgiving to every bite. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your family and friends!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (or stuffing mix)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, eggs, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well until all ingredients are combined. It’s best to use your hands for this step to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Form the Balls Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow for even cooking and browning.
Step 5: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the balls are golden brown. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional) While the turkey stuffing balls are baking, you can prepare the glaze if desired. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Heat over low until warmed and mixed. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the stuffing balls perfectly.
Step 7: Glaze the Balls (Optional) Once the stuffing balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush the glaze over them for added flavor and shine. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes if you want the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Variation
Feel free to customize these stuffing balls to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, try using a combination of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and vegetable broth instead of meat. You can also add additional ingredients like diced celery, shredded carrots, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Notes
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you prefer to freeze them, form the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be baked straight from the freezer, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffing balls warm, either plain or drizzled with the cranberry glaze. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad. Consider serving them as part of a larger buffet spread for the holidays or as a tasty appetizer during parties.
Tips:
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth; if it’s too wet, add more bread crumbs.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls for even cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste, such as rosemary or oregano.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per stuffing ball
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 10g