The aroma of roasted turkey mingling with sweet cranberries and savory herbs fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that welcomes everyone to the table. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just a dish; they’re a hug in food form, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply when you need a little comfort food magic.
Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a warm, flavorful stuffing bursting with juicy turkey and tangy cranberries. It’s the kind of dish that makes you reminisce about family dinners and happy memories while also promising an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
- Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier choice; it keeps the stuffing moist while adding protein.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use whole cranberries for bursts of tartness; frozen can work too but may alter texture slightly.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the stuffing together and add texture.
- Onion and Celery: Finely chop these aromatic vegetables to enhance flavor and provide moisture.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or sage add delightful fragrance; dried herbs can substitute if necessary.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to keep salt levels in check while adding rich flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onion and celery until softened—about five minutes should do. The smell will make you wonder why you don’t sauté them every day!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked onions and celery, breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Get in there with your hands; it’s way more fun!
Step 4: Form the Balls
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), form small balls about the size of golf balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. You might want to dance around while they bake because they smell so good!
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and drizzle with some chicken broth or gravy if desired for added flavor. Enjoy these gems as an appetizer or a side dish; they’ll steal the show either way!
Now you’ve got yourself some scrumptious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls that are sure to impress! Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just another Tuesday night craving comfort food, this recipe is here to save the day (and your taste buds).
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Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preparing your stuffing mixture before anything else. Sauté the onions and celery first, then mix in the turkey and seasonings while preheating the oven. Roll the stuffing into balls and bake for perfectly golden results.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raisins or add some chopped apples for a sweet twist. Spice it up with sage or thyme, or throw in some chopped nuts for an added crunch. Customize these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls until they sing to your palate!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.
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Sometimes I whip up these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls just to see my family’s delighted faces—they’re like kids on Christmas morning whenever I serve them!
FAQs
What are Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are delicious bite-sized appetizers made from turkey, bread crumbs, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The addition of cranberries gives these stuffing balls a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory turkey. They are often enjoyed during holiday gatherings or as a fun twist on traditional stuffing. These flavorful bites are easy to make and can be served with various dipping sauces, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event.
How do you make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, start by mixing cooked turkey, bread crumbs, chopped onions, celery, fresh herbs, and dried cranberries in a bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Form the mixture into small balls and bake them in the oven until golden brown. For added moisture and flavor, consider incorporating chicken broth or melted butter into the mixture. Serve warm and enjoy these delightful treats at your next gathering.
Can I prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time! Form the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier outcome. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. This makes them an ideal option for holiday meals or busy weeknight dinners.
What dishes pair well with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They complement roasted meats like turkey or chicken beautifully. Additionally, serve them alongside cranberry sauce for extra flavor or with a side salad for a balanced meal. These stuffing balls also work well as appetizers at parties or festive gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a mix of flavors that enhance any dining experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate any gathering. With simple ingredients like turkey, bread crumbs, herbs, and cranberries, they are easy to prepare ahead of time for your convenience. Whether served as an appetizer or part of a main course meal, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests. Try this recipe for your next celebration and enjoy the festive spirit they bring to your table!
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful combination of succulent turkey, tart cranberries, and savory herbs, all enveloped in a perfectly crisp crust. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, these bite-sized treats promise to elevate your dining experience. With their rich flavors and appealing presentation, they are sure to impress both guests and family alike. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-have for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined using your hands for best results.
- Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with chicken broth or gravy drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls (90g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
