Name: Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Bread Crumbs; 1 cup Cooked Turkey, shredded; 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup Onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup Celery, diced; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 large Egg

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful, and fun twist on the classic holiday side, Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new favorite creation. These savory bites combine juicy, leftover turkey, tart dried cranberries, and classic herby stuffing into the perfect poppable package. Beyond their irresistible blend of flavors and textures—crunchy outside, soft and savory in the middle—these stuffing balls are a real timesaver when you want a quick, homemade treat that dazzles at potlucks or pleases picky eaters at family dinners. Did you know that stuffing originated as a way to use up odds and ends from the kitchen? Talk about sustainability! Much like our wildly popular “Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole,” these balls transform scraps into something crave-worthy. Ready to discover how easy and delicious leftovers can be? Let’s dive in!

What is Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls—a name that’s as fun to say as the dish is to eat! Ever wonder who first decided to roll stuffing into balls and toss in cranberries and turkey? Maybe it was someone tired of plain-old stuffing and craving a bite-sized snack with a burst of holiday cheer. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these tasty bites take a direct route! Packed with seasonal flavors and a hint of nostalgia, Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to make you smile (and come back for seconds). So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give this playful recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This

First and foremost, the star of these stuffing balls is their unbeatable combination of juicy turkey, tangy cranberries, and fresh herbs—all wrapped up in crispy, golden-brown bites. There’s nothing store-bought that can match the value and flavor of homemade, especially when you can repurpose leftovers and pantry staples. Plus, making these at home is surprisingly economical: turn holiday odds and ends into a crowd-pleasing dish without breaking the bank.

But it’s not just the savings—it’s the extras that make it shine. The subtle sweetness of dried cranberries, the aromatic crunch of celery and onion, and a dash of thyme make each mouthful something special. Love our Turkey Cranberry Sliders? You’ll appreciate this easy riff! Ready to fall in love with leftovers all over again? Try it tonight and experience a new family favorite.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are seriously simple, delightfully delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Prep is a breeze—just mix, roll, and bake! In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have warm, comforting stuffing balls with a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center. No fancy tools or complicated steps required—just straightforward ingredients and big flavors.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped dried cranberries, diced onion, diced celery, and chopped parsley.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients mix evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and egg until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix until the stuffing holds together when squeezed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more broth.
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a tight ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and hold their shape.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve With

These stuffing balls are versatile—enjoy them as an appetizer, a savory snack, or a festive addition to your holiday spread. They pair perfectly with classic gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce. For a comforting meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Hosting a brunch? Tuck them into lunchboxes with crisp apple slices and carrot sticks for a wholesome treat. For drinks, hot apple cider or a cool glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting

If you don’t have leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken or even ham bits work great in a pinch.
For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and use sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Be sure not to overmix the ingredients—just enough so the balls hold together.
Using fresh parsley brightens the flavor, but if you’re out, dried parsley will do just fine.
Adjust the size as you like: smaller balls make fun party bites, while larger ones are perfect for meals.
If your mixture is too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs; if too dry, add more broth.
Mistakes to avoid: Over-baking can dry them out, so watch for that golden color!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp outside. If freezing, arrange them uncooked on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time. Whether fresh or frozen, they keep their flavor and texture beautifully, making them the perfect make-ahead side.

FAQs

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the balls, then refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze them and bake straight from frozen.

What can I use if I don’t have leftover turkey?
Rotisserie chicken, ham, or even plant-based meat alternatives work as a great substitute.

Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
They can be, if you use gluten-free bread crumbs and double-check your other ingredients!

Can I air fry these stuffing balls?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.

What dipping sauce goes best with these?
Classic turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or even a creamy herbed dip make delicious accompaniments.

Conclusion

Cranberry/Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate way to enjoy holiday flavors in a simple, bite-sized package. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with festive ingredients, these savory snacks turn leftovers into treats everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a family gathering or whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and pairings to make it your own! Why not give them a try and discover your new go-to comfort food? Enjoy and happy cooking!