Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls 🦃🍂

If you’re searching for a creative, delicious way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are your new holiday hero! Tender, savory, and bursting with sweet-tart cranberry flavor, these bite-sized delights take all the best parts of a Thanksgiving feast and roll them into one perfect mouthful.

Perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or even a fun main dish, these golden, crispy stuffing balls bring warmth and comfort to every bite — and they’re easy to make with simple ingredients you already have on hand.

---

🍁 Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

🦃 Perfect for Leftovers: Use your leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce — nothing goes to waste!
🍽️ Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Great for parties, holiday gatherings, or game-day snacks.
✨ Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Baked (or air-fried) until perfectly golden and flavorful.
❤️ Sweet & Savory Balance: Cranberry and turkey complement each other beautifully.
⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!

---

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups leftover stuffing (any variety)
• 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or gravy (for moisture if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Optional:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or poultry seasoning for extra depth of flavor
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

---

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

---

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, Parmesan cheese, and egg.

Mix until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of broth or gravy to help bind it together.

---

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds (about 1.5 inches). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

---

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a touch of olive oil for crispiness.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

---

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy, or honey mustard dip for dunking.

These are absolutely irresistible when dipped in leftover gravy — it’s like Thanksgiving all over again, but better! 😋

---

🍗 Air Fryer Method

You can also cook these stuffing balls in the air fryer for an even crispier finish:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray.
3. Place the stuffing balls in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

---

🌿 Flavor Variations

✨ Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for gooey centers.
🌰 Nutty Touch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
🍠 Sweet Option: Add bits of roasted sweet potato or apple for a fall-inspired twist.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for heat lovers.
🥓 Bacon Lovers’ Upgrade: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon — always a win!

---

🥄 Serving Ideas

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile! Serve them as:

• A holiday appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces
• A side dish alongside roasted veggies or mashed potatoes
• A light lunch with a salad and extra cranberry glaze
• A party finger food for game day or potlucks

You can even turn them into mini sliders by placing them on small rolls with cranberry mayo!

---

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

🧡 To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

❄️ To Freeze:
Place cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

🔥 To Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes
• Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes
• Microwave: 30–45 seconds (for softer texture)

---

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 2 Balls)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

(Values vary depending on stuffing type and added ingredients.)

---

🍂 Why These Are the Perfect Holiday Bite

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls take the essence of Thanksgiving and Christmas — turkey, stuffing, and cranberry — and turn it into something new, fun, and downright addictive.

They’re great for reducing food waste, saving time in the kitchen, and giving those leftovers a delicious second life. Plus, the sweet-tart cranberries balance the savory turkey and herbs perfectly, creating a burst of holiday flavor in every bite.

---

💡 Pro Tips for Success

✔️ Use moist stuffing — dry stuffing makes the balls crumbly. Add broth or gravy if needed.
✔️ Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling to help it hold shape.
✔️ Don’t overbake — just until golden and crisp outside, tender inside.
✔️ Make double — they disappear fast!

---

🎄 Final Thoughts

With crispy exteriors, tender turkey-filled centers, and that irresistible cranberry sweetness, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect post-holiday treat (or even a new holiday tradition!).

They’re easy, festive, and versatile enough for any occasion — from Thanksgiving leftovers to Christmas parties or cozy winter dinners.

So grab those leftovers and roll up something truly magical — because every bite tastes like the holidays! 🦃❤️🍽️

Print