Name: Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (85–93% lean); 1½ cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled); 1 large egg; ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh); 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce for serving

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There’s something truly magical about gatherings warmed by the scent of homemade comfort food, and these Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe bring that feeling right into your kitchen. The blend of savory ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and bursts of sweet cranberries makes these little bites unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or looking to impress at your next potluck, this recipe balances ease and elegance perfectly.

I love how these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can pull double duty, doubling as an appetizer or a side dish during those festive meals. The best part? They’re simple to prepare, and everyone always asks for the recipe afterward. Because they combine familiar holiday flavors in a fun, handheld form, they’re perfect for sharing—and trust me, they go fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a unique role in making these stuffing balls both flavorful and moist. Using ground turkey keeps things lighter than beef, while the dried cranberries add that festive, tangy pop that makes this recipe stand out on your holiday table. Picking your stuffing is key too—homemade adds a personal touch, but a good-quality boxed variety works just as well.

Ground turkey: I recommend 85–93% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture without being greasy.
Prepared stuffing: Use your favorite boxed type or homemade stuffing cooled completely to bind the balls well.
Large egg: Acts as the binder to hold everything together. Don’t skip it!
Dried cranberries: Opt for dried unless you have fresh on hand and chopped finely; they add that signature sweet-tart burst.
Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavors and adds a hint of color inside.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with turkey and stuffing.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory note without overpowering.
Onion powder: Enhances depth alongside the garlic and herbs.
Salt and black pepper: To taste—season generously because these flavors really shine through.
Optional grated Parmesan cheese: This is my secret touch for extra savory richness — add it to the mixture if you like a bit of cheesiness.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this dish yours by customizing the stuffing balls to match your taste and dietary needs. I’ve tried a few tweaks over the years, and each variation brings out a new side of this crowd-pleaser.

Vegetarian version: Swap ground turkey for cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture without meat. I’ve done this when hosting vegan friends, and honestly, no one missed the turkey!
Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a cozy warmth that’s unexpected but delicious.
Nutty crunch: Toss in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture. I love this at holiday brunches when people want something special with every bite.
Herb swap: Try fresh sage instead of thyme for an earthier profile that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free stuffing or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice for a safe option — it still binds well with the egg.

How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base

Start by placing the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared stuffing, egg, dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic and onion powders, and if you’re using it, the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. I find it easiest to use my hands here—just mix everything gently but thoroughly until it’s combined without becoming mushy. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor and holds together well.

Step 2: Shape Your Stuffing Balls

Once your mixture is ready, scoop out portions roughly the size of a golf ball and roll them gently between your palms into neat little balls. Don’t pack them too tightly, or they’ll get dense. I usually line them up on a baking sheet as I go, which makes it easier when it comes time to bake.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the stuffing balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end—the outside should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you want an even crispier exterior, broil them for the last 2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe

Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley over the top just before serving for that pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I drizzle a spoonful of warmed turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce on the side—both add a gorgeous, festive touch that guests adore. Plus, they complement the balancing act between savory and sweet in the balls themselves.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides—think roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or green bean almondine. For an extra special feast, I’ll serve it alongside a warm butternut squash soup or a crisp winter salad with apples and toasted pecans. The bright cranberries in the stuffing balls create a nice contrast with richer sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these stuffing balls on a platter lined with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs—it smells heavenly and looks festive. Another fun idea: serve them in mini cupcake liners or on skewers for easy grab-and-go bites. It’s always a hit when people can nibble while mingling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to reheat them in the oven to keep the outside crispy—microwaving can make them a bit soggy, which is less appealing. Just pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

Freezing these stuffing balls works wonderfully! After shaping, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. I find freezing right after shaping preserves their texture better than freezing after baking.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend the oven method for optimal crispness: preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through to warm evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful outer texture. If you’re in a hurry, a quick toaster oven reheat can work well too!

FAQs

Can I make Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the stuffing balls a day ahead, then refrigerate them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. This makes holiday meal prep less stressful. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a fine substitute. Just keep in mind it may result in a slightly milder flavor. Adding a little extra seasoning or fresh herbs can help boost the taste if you go this route.
Do I have to use dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries are ideal for their chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, but if you have fresh cranberries, you can chop them finely and use them too. Just be cautious about adding too much liquid, especially if they’re fresh and juicy, to keep the mixture from getting soggy.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap out the regular stuffing for a certified gluten-free version or use alternatives like cooked quinoa or gluten-free bread crumbs. The binding qualities remain strong as long as you keep the egg in the mix.
What can I serve with cranberry turkey stuffing balls?

These delicious balls work well alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, and cranberry or turkey gravy for dipping. I also love pairing them with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. They bring together all the cozy, familiar holiday flavors in a way that’s easy to eat and share, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to them every year. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to wow your friends or family—a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and herbaceous that celebrates the season beautifully. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your home too.