Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: Easy & Flavor-Packed Holiday Bites

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are your new holiday MVP—right up there with stretchy pants and that one aunt who always brings wine. These savory-sweet bites combine lean ground turkey with tangy dried cranberries and a whisper of poultry seasoning, all rolled up into perfectly golden, pop-in-your-mouth bundles.

Whether you’re hosting a full Thanksgiving feast or just trying to repurpose leftover turkey in a way that doesn’t involve another sandwich, these stuffing balls hit all the right notes. Best part? They bake up in under 30 minutes and taste like holiday magic—without the stress (or the inevitable gravy spill). Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and picky-eater approved. So yes, cranberry turkey stuffing balls belong on your table, and possibly in your hand right now.

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What is Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are basically a flavor-packed twist on traditional stuffing with turkey. Think of it like the love child of Thanksgiving stuffing and meatballs—with a splash of cranberry sauce energy. Instead of spreading your stuffing out in a baking dish, you roll it into palm-sized balls, bake them until golden, and boom: little bites of cozy.

They’re typically made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, and classic holiday aromatics like onion, celery, and poultry seasoning. The texture? Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. These guys are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer, crowd-pleasing side dish, or even a low-fuss main for weeknight dinners. Basically, they’re stuffing you can snack on—without a fork. Pair it with leftover gravy, cranberry sauce, or just eat them straight off the tray. We won’t judge.

Reasons to Try Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

If the words “easy,” “tasty,” and “holiday-approved” make your ears perk up, you’re gonna love cranberry turkey stuffing balls. First, they’re a no-fuss solution when you’re juggling 12 other dishes and two kids asking why yams exist. They come together in one bowl—no complicated steps, no fancy gadgets. Second, these stuffing balls are endlessly versatile. Hosting? They’re perfect finger food. Meal prepping? Freeze a batch and reheat later.

Leftovers piling up? Boom—transform turkey and stuffing into something new. And flavor-wise? The balance between savory turkey and sweet cranberries is ridiculously satisfying. Plus, they bake—so no greasy frying pans, just wholesome oven-roasted goodness. Want to make a batch ahead for a stress-free gathering? These guys freeze like a dream. Honestly, they’re the edible equivalent of a cozy sweater and a glass of wine.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Making cranberry turkey stuffing balls doesn’t require culinary wizardry—just a solid recipe, a big mixing bowl, and a little confidence. Below is your step-by-step guide to creating these festive bites from scratch, with detailed instructions that will have you rolling like a pro, even if you’re more “microwave queen” than “Top Chef.” This section is packed with pro tips, internal links to relevant guides, and little tricks to make sure your stuffing balls turn out perfectly golden and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 375°F (190°C)

Before you do anything else, get that oven warming up. Setting it to 375°F (190°C) ensures the stuffing balls cook evenly and come out perfectly juicy on the inside with a beautifully crisp exterior. Don’t forget to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—it’ll save you clean-up time later (which, let’s be honest, we all appreciate). If you’re new to baking savory dishes, check out our baking temperature guide for beginners to get more comfortable.

Step 2: Prep and Measure Your Ingredients

Now’s the time to gather and prep everything. Finely chop your onion and celery, measure out your breadcrumbs and cranberries, and get your eggs cracked and ready. Want to keep your chopping stress-free? Visit our easy prep tips for how to quickly dice veggies without crying over onions (literally).

Pro tip: If your dried cranberries are a little firm, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften. Drain well before mixing in. This trick helps them blend better into the mixture and prevents dry spots.

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Large Bowl

In a big mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, chopped onion, celery, breadcrumbs, cranberries, poultry seasoning, eggs, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing—this is where things can go south. Overmixed turkey = dense, rubbery balls. Just fold the mixture until it comes together.

If you’re out of breadcrumbs or need a gluten-free option, check our breadcrumb substitution guide for quick swaps that still taste amazing.

Step 4: Shape the Mixture into Balls

Once everything is mixed, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter—roughly the size of a golf ball. A cookie scoop makes this part super quick and keeps them all the same size, which helps them cook evenly. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, lightly oil your palms or keep a bowl of water nearby for easy shaping.

Place each ball onto your lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one so they crisp up instead of steaming. Aim for 20–24 balls total depending on how large you roll them.

Want to get the kids involved? This step is super hands-on and a great way to keep little ones busy (and proud of their creations).

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. No need to flip them—just let them sit and bake undisturbed. If you’re craving a slightly crispier texture, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

While you’re waiting, this is the perfect time to prep a side or sauce. Pair with our leftover turkey soup or whip up a quick honey mustard dip using pantry staples.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once baked, let the stuffing balls cool slightly on the tray for a few minutes. Then plate them up while they’re still warm. These are fantastic as finger food, served on a platter with toothpicks, or as a comforting side with mashed potatoes and gravy. We also love pairing them with apple cider chicken for a full-on fall feast.

Want to turn them into a main dish? Serve them over a bed of rice or roasted veggies for a complete meal, or tuck them into a wrap for a next-day lunch win.

What to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Let’s be real—cranberry turkey stuffing balls are stars in their own right, but they play very well with others. If you’re turning these into a party platter, pair them with a tangy mustard dip, cranberry relish, or a creamy aioli. For a sit-down meal, consider sides like mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even creamy butternut squash soup to keep that cozy seasonal vibe going. Need more comfort? A spoonful of apple cider chicken or a drizzle of gravy on top won’t hurt either. Hosting brunch? They’re great tucked inside mini rolls with a bit of cranberry mayo. However you serve them, just be prepared—these disappear fast.

Key Tips for Making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

First, don’t overmix your meat—seriously, just combine until things are sticking together. Overworked turkey = tough balls. Use fresh breadcrumbs (day-old bread pulsed in a blender works best). Dried cranberries can be softened by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes if they seem too chewy. Got picky eaters? Chop the cranberries a bit smaller—they’ll blend in better. If you like a crispier texture, give the balls a quick broil at the end for extra golden tops. And if you’re meal prepping? Freeze the uncooked balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for easy portioning. Need a dip? A side of creamy chicken tortellini soup makes a dreamy pairing.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Once cooled, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls keep in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Want to stash some for later? Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. In a rush? Microwave for 1–2 minutes, but the oven keeps them crispier. Leftovers make great lunchbox bites or a quick snack dipped in honey mustard. They also reheat well in a toaster oven if you’re avoiding the microwave life. Basically, they’re the gift that keeps on giving.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?
Totally. Just chop or shred it finely and reduce the cook time slightly since it’s already cooked.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yep! Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your poultry seasoning label.

What if I don’t like cranberries?
No judgment. Try chopped dried apricots or golden raisins for a different twist.

Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright comforting about cranberry turkey stuffing balls—they’re like a bite-sized hug from Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to avoid another leftover sandwich, they’ve got your back. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and full of that sweet-savory balance we all crave this time of year. Ready to shake up your stuffing game? These little guys might just become your new tradition. Hungry for more easy holiday recipes? Check out our cozy lineup like leftover turkey soup and soft baked apple cinnamon rolls to keep the comfort coming.

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