Irresistible Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls combine savory lean ground turkey with herbed stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce to create a deliciously tender and juicy holiday bite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, parties, or transforming leftovers, these festive meatballs bake up moist and flavorful, ideal as appetizers, main dishes, or meal-prep treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean, not extra lean)
- 1½ cups cooked stuffing
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry recommended)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked stuffing, cranberry sauce, egg, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything just until combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the balls tender.
- Shape: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, scoop and roll the mixture into 16 to 20 evenly sized stuffing balls.
- Bake: Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each ball lightly with olive oil to help them brown. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can air fry them at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Serve: Enjoy these warm, paired with extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping as delightful appetizers or part of a festive meal.
Notes
- Use stuffing that is moist enough to bind the mixture; add a little broth if it feels too dry.
- Choosing 93% lean turkey gives the best texture and helps keep the balls moist.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent dense, tough meatballs.
- For crispier edges, broil the balls for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- These balls are perfect as holiday appetizers, sliders, or creative leftover makeovers.
Keywords: cranberry stuffing balls, turkey meatballs, holiday appetizers, Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas appetizers, savory meatballs, festive party snacks
