Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe With Turkey For Holidays
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the ultimate way to transform leftovers into something new and exciting. After a big holiday meal, I always find myself staring at containers of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. One year I decided to roll everything together and bake it into little bites. The smell of roasted turkey mixed with warm stuffing and cranberry sweetness filled the kitchen. It was not just another leftover plate, it was a brand new turkey dish that felt festive enough for Thanksgiving or even New Christmas recipes. Since then these little bites have become one of my favorite different Thanksgiving recipes that always impress family and guests.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, celery, onion, and egg.
- If the mixture is dry, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (about 1.5–2 inches).
- Place balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with gravy or extra cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love cranberry turkey stuffing balls
Cranberry stuffing paired with turkey creates a sweet and savory bite that feels like the holidays in every mouthful. These turkey and stuffing balls are small but packed with flavor, making them ideal as appetizers, side dishes, or even the centerpiece of your meal. Unlike chicken stuffing meatballs, they are made with tender shredded turkey and cranberry sauce for a seasonal twist.
This recipe with turkey is easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time. Serve them with gravy to create stuffing balls with gravy or pack them in lunchboxes for a cozy holiday snack. They are the perfect choice if you are searching for new Christmas recipes that use leftovers creatively.
Ingredients for turkey and stuffing balls
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Cooked shredded turkey | 2 cups | Use leftover holiday turkey or rotisserie turkey |
| Prepared stuffing | 4 cups | Homemade or boxed stuffing works |
| Whole berry cranberry sauce | 1/2 cup | Adds tartness and moisture |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup | Use only if mixture is dry |
| Celery | 1/2 cup finely chopped | Adds crunch and freshness |
| Onion | 1/4 cup finely chopped | Yellow or sweet onion recommended |
| Large egg | 1 lightly beaten | Helps bind the mixture |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season depending on your stuffing |
| Fresh parsley | Optional garnish | Adds color and flavor |
Tip: For a crockpot turkey and stuffing version, roll the balls and heat them in a slow cooker with a splash of broth or gravy.
How to make cranberry stuffing balls step by step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, celery, onion, and egg.
- If the mixture is dry add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball sized portions about 1.5 to 2 inches.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden and heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce or gravy.
These turkey and stuffing balls come out with crispy edges and a soft flavorful inside that tastes like a complete holiday meal in one bite.
How to serve turkey and stuffing balls
- Serve as appetizers with cranberry dipping sauce or warm gravy.
- Add them to a dinner plate with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a comforting holiday meal.
- Use them as part of your party spread for Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Keep them warm in a crockpot with a little broth or gravy for buffet style serving.
They are flexible enough to serve at fancy dinners or casual family meals.
Tips to perfect your turkey dish every time
- Keep your stuffing moist to help the balls hold their shape.
- Do not skip the cranberry stuffing since it balances the savory turkey.
- Roll evenly so that all balls bake consistently.
- Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for a golden finish.
These small steps turn a simple leftover idea into a standout turkey dish.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding too much broth makes the mixture fall apart. Add slowly.
- Forgetting the egg will cause the balls to crumble.
- Using only turkey breast can make them dry. Mix in dark meat if possible.
- Placing the balls too close together prevents browning. Space them apart.
Storage and reheating instructions
| Storage Method | How to Store | How to Reheat |
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container up to 4 days | Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes |
| Freezer | Freeze on a tray then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months | Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes |
These stuffing balls are freezer friendly which makes them a great make ahead holiday snack.
Conclusion
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are more than just leftovers, they are a brand new recipe with turkey that feels festive and exciting. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, or even casual winter meals, these little bites combine turkey, stuffing, and cranberry into one irresistible dish. If you are searching for different Thanksgiving recipes or new Christmas recipes, this one belongs on your list. Serve them plain, with cranberry sauce, or as stuffing balls with gravy and watch them disappear fast.
Save this turkey dish for your next holiday meal and enjoy a creative way to celebrate the season.
