Easy Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect bite-sized holiday treat. They combine savory turkey, herby stuffing, and the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries into one easy recipe. Simple to prepare and full of festive flavor, they make a wonderful side dish, appetizer, or even a grab-and-go snack during the busy holiday season.

Why Make This Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• A great way to use leftover turkey and stuffing
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners
• Sweet cranberries add balance to the savory flavors

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How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

You’ll combine cooked turkey with stuffing and cranberries, then bake them until golden and crisp on the outside.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
• 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried sage or thyme

Directions:

① Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.

② Mix the ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine:

• 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
• 1 cup stuffing (crumbled)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage or thyme

Stir everything together until well blended and slightly sticky.

③ Shape the meatballs.
Roll the mixture into 12–14 balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dampen them with water or oil for easier rolling.

④ Arrange on the baking sheet.
Place the meatballs on the prepared tray, leaving about 1–2 inches between each one. This gives them space to cook evenly and brown nicely.

⑤ Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Put the tray in the oven and bake until the meatballs are golden brown, firm to the touch, and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if checked with a thermometer.

⑥ Let cool and serve.
Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes. This helps them hold their shape. Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or over mashed potatoes.

💡 Tips & Ideas

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free stuffing.
• Dairy-free? Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based version, and replace butter with olive oil.
• Make ahead or freeze: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Serving ideas:
  • Over mashed potatoes with turkey gravy
  • On a salad with greens, nuts, and vinaigrette
  • As party appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauce

Turn your leftovers into a comforting meal with these easy, flavor-packed meatballs hearty, satisfying, and full of holiday warmth!

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion

• Read through the recipe before starting to avoid surprises.
• Gather all ingredients in advance to make cooking smoother.
• Use a cookie scoop to shape even-sized balls.
• Do not overbake, as they can dry out quickly.
• Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

How to Serve Turkey & Stuffing Meatballs

These savory stuffing balls are best served warm, straight from the oven, when they’re golden on the outside and tender inside. Their rich, herby flavor with a hint of sweetness from cranberries makes them a perfect companion to a variety of meals.

As a Side Dish

Serve them alongside roasted meats like turkey, chicken, pork, or ham. They’re especially ideal for holiday dinners, think Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, and pair beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Green bean casserole
• Gravy drizzled on top

The meatballs absorb the juices and gravy wonderfully, making every bite comforting and flavorful.

As an Appetizer

Turn them into a crowd-pleasing starter! Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter with small bowls of warm dipping sauces, such as:

• Cranberry sauce (the sweet-tart contrast is delicious)
• Turkey or beef gravy
• Garlic aioli or herb mayonnaise
• Apple sauce (for a fruity twist)

Add toothpicks or small forks so guests can easily grab one. They’re perfect for holiday parties or game-day snacks!

On a Salad

For a lighter meal, slice the meatballs in half and serve them warm over a fall salad:

• Base: baby kale, spinach, or arugula
• Add-ins: sliced apples, walnuts, red onion, crumbled blue cheese
• Dressing: balsamic vinaigrette or maple mustard dressing

The warmth of the meatballs slightly wilts the greens and ties all the flavors together.

Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips

Freeze: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen, no need to thaw!

Refrigerate: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

How to Store Turkey & Stuffing Meatballs

To keep your meatballs tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here’s how to store them for short-term or long-term enjoyment.

Refrigerating (Up to 3 Days)

Let the meatballs cool slightly after cooking, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tip: Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and help maintain texture.

When ready to eat, reheat in:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through
• Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway

Freezing (Up to 2 Months)

These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or saving holiday leftovers!

1. Cool completely after baking.
2. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours (this prevents them from sticking together).
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date.
4. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Frozen

No need to thaw! Reheat straight from the freezer:

• Oven (Best Method): 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until hot in the center
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes, stirring or flipping once
• Skillet: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Tips to Make the Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Chop turkey finely so the mixture holds together better.
• Use leftover stuffing that is slightly moist, not dry. If it feels crumbly, add a splash of broth.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
• Shape balls evenly using a cookie scoop for consistent size and cooking.
• Brush with melted butter before baking for extra golden color and flavor.
• Let the stuffing balls rest a few minutes after baking so they hold together when serving.

Variation

• Use ground turkey instead of cooked turkey for a different texture. Cook before mixing.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Replace cranberries with chopped dried apricots for a sweeter twist.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls FAQs

Conclusion

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are simple, tasty, and perfect for holiday gatherings or casual meals at home. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that is festive, flavorful, and loved by everyone at the table. Keep this recipe handy for Thanksgiving leftovers or anytime you want a quick and cozy bite.