These turkey stuffing balls are a holiday favorite in bite-sized form. They work just as well as a fun appetizer, a festive Thanksgiving side, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With juicy ground turkey, sweet dried cranberries, and savory stuffing mix, everything comes together in one simple recipe that’s on the table in under 30 minutes.
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I love making these because they taste like a mini holiday dinner all rolled up into one. Plus, the recipe is easy enough that you can whip it up on a busy weeknight, but also special enough for entertaining. My family always requests these with extra gravy for dipping, and I’m not complaining about that one bit.
If you love festive flavors like this, check out my recipes for Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs, Cranberry Walnut Stuffing, or Slow Cooker Cranberry Pot Roast. They’re all perfect for bringing comfort food to the holiday table.
Why you will love Turkey Stuffing Balls
- The recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and homemade.
- These turkey stuffing balls are versatile; you can serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces, as a main dish with classic sides, or even pack them for lunch the next day.
- They’re family-friendly and a great way to introduce kids to holiday flavors without overwhelming them with a big plate of food.
- The turkey stuffing balls have a crispy exterior yet they are till light and fluffy.
Ingredients to Make Stuffing Balls
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- ground turkey: Ground chicken or ground turkey sausage can be used for these stuffing balls.
- dried cranberries: The cranberry adds a balance of sweetness to the turkey and stuffing.
- stuffing mix: The stuffing mix binds the balls.
- large egg: The egg binds the ingredients
- chicken broth or turkey stock: Adds moisture to the stuffing balls.
- poultry seasoning - Store-bought poultry seasoning can be used.
- garlic salt- if unavailable, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- unsalted butter: Adds a gloss to the stuffing balls.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- measuring spoons
- baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
How to Make Stuffing Balls
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberries, stuffing mix, beaten egg, broth, poultry seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Roll the turkey balls into golf ball-sized portions. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Brush with butter.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Make ahead – Assemble the turkey balls up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezing – Freeze unbaked balls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- Don’t skip adding the egg. It binds the mixture together.
- Using a spoon to mix the ingredients can cause overmixing. This can cause dense stuffing balls.
- For the best texture of stuffing balls, use your hands to mix the ingredients.
- For extra flavor, brush with melted butter instead of softened butter before baking.
Dietary options to consider
Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Dried Fruit: Swap dried cranberries for chopped apples or raisins.
- Protein: Use ground chicken instead of ground turkey.
- Cheese: Add shredded cheese to the mixture for a melty surprise inside.
- Stuffing: Have leftover stuffing? Add some to the turkey sliders for additional flavor.
FAQs for Holiday TurkeyStuffing Balls
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, checking for an internal temp of 165°F.
You can, but chop them finely since they’re tart. Dried cranberries add a sweeter balance.
You can use breadcrumbs with added herbs, but stuffing mix gives that classic holiday flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these holiday favorites, such as homemade mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or collard greens. No matter what you decide to pair them with, they are delicious.
The stuffing balls are great served as an appetizer too. Serve them on skewers or as a side with turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or cranberry orange relish
Similar recipes
Do you love cranberries? If you love them as much as I do, check out these additional recipes.
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Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card, you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
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Cranberry And Turkey Stuffing Balls
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 large beaten egg
- ¼ cup chicken broth pr turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup dried cranberries, 2 cups stuffing mix, 1 large beaten egg, ¼ cup chicken broth pr turkey broth, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic salt. Mix with your hands until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) on the tops of the balls. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Or until the internal temp is a minimum of 165° and it’s golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy! Drizzle gravy on top or parsley.
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