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.