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