Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a fragrant wonderland, filled with the warm spices and sweet notes that remind me of family gatherings. One of my absolute favorite recipes to whip up during this time is Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. I can still picture my grandmother in her apron, bustling around the kitchen, making her signature stuffing while I stood on a stool, eagerly waiting to help. She always said that the secret ingredient was love, but I suspect it was also the tartness of the cranberries and the savory turkey that made everyone come back for seconds.
These little bites of joy are not just delicious; they evoke memories of laughter, sharing, and the warmth of togetherness during the holidays. They’re perfect for any festive gathering, whether as a simple appetizer or an exciting addition to your holiday table. Trust me, once you try these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, they’ll be a staple in your own kitchen tradition, and your friends and family will be asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love "Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls"
- Quick and easy prep time—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients make it a budget-friendly option.
- Family-friendly and a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Freezer-friendly; make a double batch and save some for later!
- Gluten-free option available for those with dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground turkey (look for lean options for a healthier choice)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onions work best for flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic really amps up the taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (fresh sage can be used, just double the amount)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (again, fresh is better if you have it)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if using seasoned breadcrumbs)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked pepper adds a nice touch)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (low-sodium broth is a great way to control salt)
- 2 eggs, beaten (helps bind the stuffing balls together)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (fresh parsley brightens the flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is so important because it ensures that your Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls cook evenly and become perfectly golden!
Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins, so give it a good mix!
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add in the chicken broth, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley. Now, get your hands in there (or use a spatula) and mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little runny; it’ll come together beautifully!
Form the Balls
- With the mixture ready, it’s time to form the balls. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a clean surface or plate as you go. You can do this part with your kids; they love getting their hands messy!
Bake
- Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your formed balls on it, giving them a little space to breathe. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re cooked through and have that lovely golden brown color. Keep an eye on them; the smell will be irresistible!
Serve
- Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm and enjoy the compliments that come your way. These little bites are perfect as an appetizer or even as a side dish!
Variations
- Add chopped apple or pear for a sweet twist.
- Incorporate crushed walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for different flavors.
- Swap out dried cranberries for raisins or apricots.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Make them dairy-free by using a plant-based egg substitute.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
Serve these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, either as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking or alongside your favorite dipping sauce like cranberry sauce or gravy. They also make a delightful side dish at holiday meals, adding a pop of color and flavor to your table!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste; a pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick!
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work well as a substitute.
- For a nut-free version, skip any nut add-ins and stick to the basic recipe.
- These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
- Check for gluten-free labels on all ingredients to keep it allergy-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze these stuffing balls before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken, ground beef, or even ground pork if you prefer those flavors. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of cooked lentils and chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture, or try plant-based meat alternatives.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these stuffing balls gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Always check labels on your other ingredients, like the chicken broth, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own recipe for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! I can’t wait for you to try them out and see how they light up your holiday gatherings. Remember, cooking is all about joy and making memories, so don’t stress over perfection. Just have fun, get your family involved, and enjoy every bite of these delicious little treats. I promise they’ll become a beloved tradition in your kitchen just like they have in mine. Happy cooking, and may your home be filled with laughter and wonderful aromas!
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious festive cranberry turkey stuffing balls perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth, beaten eggs, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Use fresh herbs if available for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
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