Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Looking to elevate your holiday meals or cozy gatherings? Look no further than these delectable Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Bursting with savory turkey and a sweet-tart cranberry twist, these little bites are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect way to make the most of your leftover turkey.

I first introduced these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls at a holiday potluck, and they were an instant hit! Since then, they have become a staple at our family gatherings whenever roast turkey is on the menu. The combination of juicy turkey, flavorful cranberries, and classic stuffing ingredients creates a dish that even the pickiest eaters, like my nephew, can’t resist sneaking a few extra bites of.

Whether you serve them as a delightful appetizer, a hearty side, or a fun addition to your holiday buffet, these stuffing balls are sure to impress. With a hint of autumn vibes from sage and apples, or a Southern twist with cornbread and walnuts, the versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with the flavors. Plus, the make-ahead option and easy reheating make them a stress-free entertaining essential.

Quick Benefits

Great way to use up leftover turkey and reduce food waste
Perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberries
Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or addition to holiday spreads
Convenient make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining and meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites Recipe

Perfect for Holiday Meals and Cozy Gatherings: Ideal for festive occasions and intimate get-togethers.
Rave-Worthy Recipe: Guests will beg for the recipe after trying these stuffing balls.
Savory with a Sweet-Tart Cranberry Burst: The cranberries add a delightful contrast to the savory turkey.
Versatile Leftover Turkey Recipe: A creative way to use up leftover turkey that’s both delicious and unique.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the taste so much they might even want them for breakfast!
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Convenient for meal prepping or entertaining; freeze and reheat as needed.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps like rotisserie chicken or golden raisins for variety.
Smart Addition to Buffets or Lunchboxes: Great for holiday spreads or packing in lunches for a tasty treat.
Captures Classic Stuffing Flavors: All the traditional stuffing flavors in a fun and bite-sized package.
Impressive and Festive: These stuffing balls are sure to impress guests and add a festive touch to any meal.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Main Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups dry bread crumbs
1 large egg
1/2 cup celery, diced

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Step 1: Prepare for baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a thin layer of oil.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix together bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley until well combined.

Step 3: Season and moisten mixture

Combine dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour in chicken broth and crack in the egg. Stir until evenly moist; add more broth if needed.

Step 4: Shape stuffing balls

Portion approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per serving, shape into compact balls by hand, and place on the baking sheet with some space between each one.

Step 5: Bake stuffing balls

Bake the stuffing balls on a preheated baking sheet for 25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Take out of the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing balls on a tray, then pack them into bags. Thaw them before reheating, either in the oven or microwave.

You can easily customize these stuffing balls by using rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, golden raisins in place of cranberries, or even trying cornbread pieces or chopped walnuts for different textures. To add a bit of autumn flavor, consider adding a pinch of sage or chopped apples to the mixture. These stuffing balls are versatile and can be enjoyed as a fun appetizer, a tasty side dish, or a convenient snack for lunchboxes.

For make-ahead convenience, shape the stuffing balls and freeze them on a tray before baking. You can then bake them straight from frozen when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a casual meal, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use up leftovers and impress your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cooked turkey on hand, rotisserie chicken makes a suitable substitute for this recipe. Additionally, if dried cranberries are not available, golden raisins can be used as a sweet alternative. For a different flavor profile, consider using cornbread pieces instead of bread crumbs or chopped walnuts for added texture.

To cater to different dietary preferences, vegetarian sausage can replace the turkey for a meat-free version of these stuffing balls. For a different twist, try adding a pinch of sage or chopped apples to enhance the autumn flavors. Mixing in diced roasted sweet potato or butternut squash can also provide a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try skewering these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with toothpicks and arranging them on a platter with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. This presentation adds a fun and elegant touch, perfect for holiday appetizers or cocktail parties. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a festive pop of color.

Another idea is to nestle these stuffing balls in a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a beautiful and flavorful salad. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette or a tangy cranberry dressing to tie all the flavors together. This salad not only makes for a delicious side dish but can also be a hearty main course by adding some grilled chicken or roasted veggies.

FAQs for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Can I use leftover roast chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can easily swap in rotisserie chicken for turkey in this recipe. The flavors will still blend well, making it a versatile option for using up different types of cooked poultry.

Can I use something other than dried cranberries?

If you run out of dried cranberries, golden raisins can be a good substitute with a similar sweet-tart flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits for a unique twist.

Can I prepare the stuffing balls in advance?

Absolutely! You have the flexibility to shape the balls and refrigerate them ahead of time for convenience. Alternatively, you can bake them and reheat just before serving to save time and ensure freshness.

What are some recommended dips to serve with these stuffing balls?

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair well with cranberry sauce, herbed gravy, or a creamy ranch dip. These dips complement the flavors of the stuffing balls and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your appetizer spread.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are truly a delightful way to elevate your holiday meals or any cozy gathering. The perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberries will have your guests coming back for more. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, these stuffing balls are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking by swapping ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or golden raisins. The bite-sized shape of these stuffing balls makes them not only delicious but also a convenient and portable option for lunchboxes or holiday buffet spreads. Remember, these stuffing balls can easily be made ahead of time and frozen for stress-free entertaining.

So, next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover turkey, remember these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They are a wonderful way to enjoy classic holiday flavors in a fun and innovative package that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious stuffing balls with your loved ones!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Savory turkey and cranberry stuffing balls, a festive and flavorful way to enjoy leftovers with a sweet-tart burst perfect for holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time25 min

Total Time40 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (16 stuffing balls)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups dry bread crumbs
1 large egg
1/2 cup celery, diced

Instructions

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a thin layer of oil.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley until well combined.
Season and moisten mixture: Combine dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour in chicken broth and crack in the egg. Stir until evenly moist; add more broth if needed.
Shape stuffing balls: Portion approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per serving, shape into compact balls by hand, and place on the baking sheet with some space between each one.
Bake stuffing balls: Bake the stuffing balls on a preheated baking sheet for 25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Serve: Take out of the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving warm as a side dish or appetizer.