Cranberry and turkey stuffing balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and easy way to transform holiday leftovers into something new and irresistible. Packed with shredded turkey, tart cranberries, savory herbs, and classic stuffing flavors, these little bites deliver everything you love about Thanksgiving in one mouthful.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make perfect appetizers, side dishes, or even a main course when served with gravy or cranberry sauce. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or starting from scratch, these festive bites are a cozy, crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine the heartwarming flavors of the holidays into a simple, bite-sized delight. Every ball has the perfect mix of savory herbs, juicy turkey, and tart cranberries creating a dish that’s satisfying, festive, and full of nostalgia.

They’re easy to make, versatile enough for any occasion, and a fantastic way to use up leftovers in a new, exciting form. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or midnight snack, these little bites embody everything cozy and delicious about the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil or butter. Sauté the finely diced onion and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the stuffing base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded cooked turkey, chopped cranberries, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture once cooled.

Step 4: Add moisture and binders

Pour in the chicken broth and lightly beaten egg. Mix well until the ingredients come together and the mixture is moist but not soggy. You should be able to shape the mixture easily into balls without it falling apart.

If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of chicken broth. If too wet, mix in a few more bread crumbs.

Step 5: Shape into balls

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 12–15 evenly sized balls (about 1½ inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and firm on the outside. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-browning.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or both for the ultimate holiday flavor experience.

Expert Tips for Success

• Breadcrumb choice: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs both work seasoned adds a bit more flavor.

• Use fresh herbs: Substitute fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more aromatic flavor boost.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the stuffing balls tender, not dense.

• Moisture balance: The mixture should hold together without being sticky the right texture makes all the difference.

• Make ahead: Prepare the mixture, shape into balls, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Add cheese: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for a melty surprise.

• Pecan crunch: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted pecans for extra richness and texture.

• Bacon twist: Add crumbled cooked turkey bacon for smoky flavor.

• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or poultry seasoning can give a subtle kick.

• Stuffing shortcut: Use leftover stuffing instead of breadcrumbs just mix it with the turkey and cranberries!

If you liked this recipe you’ll love these Mini Cheese Ball Bites.

Serving Ideas

• Appetizer platter: Arrange them on a festive board with small bowls of dipping sauces.

• Holiday dinner side: Serve instead of traditional stuffing rolls for a fun twist.

• Party food: Make smaller bite-sized versions for easy finger food at holiday gatherings.

• Lunch idea: Pair with a green salad or soup for a satisfying post-holiday meal.

• Giftable snack: Package a few with a jar of cranberry sauce for a creative edible gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover turkey and stuffing?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers. Simply replace breadcrumbs with leftover stuffing and adjust broth as needed to reach the right consistency.

Can I freeze these stuffing balls?

Yes. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through.

Can I make them in advance?

Yes. You can prep the mixture up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I pan-fry instead of baking?

Yes! Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the stuffing balls until golden on all sides, turning occasionally for even crispness.

What can I serve them with?

Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad all complement these perfectly. They also taste great as sliders with a touch of mayo or cranberry spread.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 12–15 balls 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Comforting holiday bites made from shredded turkey, dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and breadcrumbs. Crispy outside, tender inside. Great as appetizers, sides, or a cozy main dish with gravy or cranberry sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment or grease lightly.
2. Sauté onion and celery in oil or butter over medium heat 3–4 minutes until soft. Cool slightly.
3. In large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, turkey, cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cooled onion and celery.
4. Mix in chicken broth and beaten egg until moist enough to shape. Adjust with more broth or breadcrumbs as needed.
5. Shape into 12–15 balls, about 1½ inches diameter. Place on baking sheet.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and firm. Optionally broil 1–2 minutes for crispiness.
7. Cool slightly. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Seasoned breadcrumbs enhance flavor, but plain works well.

Use leftover turkey and stuffing for a quick shortcut.

Avoid over-mixing to keep texture tender.

Check moisture; mixture should hold shape without stickiness.

Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American / Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cranberry turkey stuffing balls, leftover thanksgiving recipe, holiday appetizer, turkey stuffing bites, festive side dish