If you love Thanksgiving flavors but want something fun, easy, and perfectly portioned, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday treat! They combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, and tart cranberries into delicious, golden-baked bites that are perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or quick leftover meals.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers, these stuffing balls bring all the cozy comfort of the season — in one satisfying bite. 🍂✨
🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfect use for leftovers – turn extra turkey and stuffing into something new.
✅ Festive & flavorful – a sweet-savory blend of cranberry, herbs, and turkey.
✅ Portable and easy to serve – great for parties, potlucks, or snacks.
✅ Can be made ahead – freeze and reheat for stress-free entertaining.
🧂 Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or leftover cranberry sauce)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed for moisture)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage or poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional for serving:
- Turkey gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
- Add egg, seasonings, and a splash of broth to help bind everything together.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until the mixture holds together when pressed.
If it feels too dry, add more broth — one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Form Balls
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into firm balls.
Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Brush & Bake
Lightly brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and crispness.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweet-salty twist.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
These tasty little bites are incredibly versatile:
✨ Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and a side of cranberry sauce for dipping.
✨ Main dish: Plate with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted veggies.
✨ Leftover meal: Use up post-holiday turkey and stuffing in a creative way.
✨ Lunch box treat: Perfect for a cozy fall or winter lunch.
🌿 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- To Refrigerate: Store cooked stuffing balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- To Freeze: Freeze uncooked or baked stuffing balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
🍗 Tips for Success
✨ Use moist stuffing so the balls hold together well.
✨ For extra flavor, stir in chopped celery, onions, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
✨ Try swapping dried cranberries for chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
✨ Brush with butter mixed with maple syrup for a golden, flavorful crust.
💛 A Taste of Thanksgiving in Every Bite
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about Thanksgiving — warm, comforting, and flavorful — rolled into one delicious bite. Whether made fresh for a party or crafted from leftovers, they’re a beautiful way to celebrate the season without the stress of a full feast.
Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with that perfect balance of savory and sweet, these bites will disappear fast — so make a double batch! 🦃✨
Print
🦃 Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Bite of Holiday Comfort
Ingredients
• 4 cups cubed day-old bread (cornbread or sourdough works well)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning (or ½ tsp sage + ¼ tsp thyme + ¼ tsp rosemary)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté onion and celery 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies, bread cubes, turkey, cranberries, egg, broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Fold in nuts if using.
- Let sit 5 minutes so bread absorbs moisture.
- Roll mixture into 1½-inch balls (lightly grease hands if sticky). Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or alongside gravy for dipping!
✨ Great for:
• Holiday parties and game day
• Creative leftover turkey ideas
• Mini Thanksgiving bites
💡 Make ahead: Assemble unbaked balls and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when ready!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 20 mins , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 45 mins , Servings : 16 balls , Calories : 90 per ball , Net Carbs: 10g , Fats: 4g , Protein: 6g