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To make delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls, you need just a few key ingredients: - 2 cups stale bread, cut into cubes - 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup onion, minced - 1/2 teaspoon dried sage - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 egg, beaten - 1/4 cup chicken broth - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling) These ingredients work together to create a savory and slightly sweet flavor that everyone loves. When measuring ingredients, accuracy is important for the best results. Use dry measuring cups for the bread and cranberries. For the broth and egg, use liquid measuring cups. A kitchen scale can help if you prefer weight measurements. - Bread: 2 cups = about 6 ounces - Turkey: 1 cup = about 5 ounces - Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup = about 2.5 ounces - Celery: 1/4 cup = about 1 ounce - Onion: 1/4 cup = about 1 ounce - Herbs and spices: Measured in teaspoons for precision - Chicken broth: 1/4 cup = 2 ounces You can easily swap some ingredients if you have dietary needs or preferences. - For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. - Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. - Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a bolder flavor. - Swap turkey with cooked chicken or even mashed beans for a meat-free version. These substitutions keep the spirit of the recipe while allowing for personal taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While it warms up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, gather your main ingredients. Start with 2 cups of stale bread, cut into cubes. Next, add 1 cup of shredded cooked turkey. Then, toss in 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped dried cranberries. Also, include 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery and 1/4 cup of minced onion. Mix everything well to spread out the flavors evenly. Now, it’s time to add some herbs. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir until all the herbs and spices blend into the mixture. In another bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Pour this over your bread and turkey mix. Gently fold everything together until the bread is moist but not mushy. Using your hands, form small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. Before baking, lightly drizzle the tops of the stuffing balls with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help them brown nicely. Now, put the baking sheet in your oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. To boost flavor in your stuffing balls, use fresh herbs. Fresh sage and thyme add brightness. Dried herbs work too, but fresh gives more depth. Consider adding spices like paprika for warmth. A hint of cayenne can add a kick. You can also mix in zest from citrus. Lemon or orange zest brightens the dish. Lastly, don't skip the salt. It brings out all the other flavors. Texture is key for great stuffing balls. You want them crispy outside and moist inside. Start with stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can make the stuffing too soggy. When mixing, fold gently to avoid crushing the bread. This keeps some of the cubes intact. If the mixture feels too dry, add more broth. But don’t overdo it; you want them to hold shape when baked. Mixing should be thorough but gentle. Use your hands to combine ingredients. This helps you feel the texture and adjust moisture. When forming the balls, aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks evenly and is easy to handle. Keep them spaced on the baking sheet to allow for even browning. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your stuffing balls. If available, use fresh sage and thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Mix and Match Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your stuffing balls by adding other ingredients like nuts, diced apples, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. Moisture Control: Ensure the bread mixture is moist but not soggy. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more chicken broth until well combined. Perfect Baking: For an even bake, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking. This helps achieve a uniform golden-brown color on all sides. {{image_4}} You can make these stuffing balls vegetarian. Start by swapping the turkey for cooked mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavor rich and hearty. You can also add in more vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots. This adds color and nutrients. Herbs can change the taste of your stuffing balls. Try using rosemary or oregano instead of sage and thyme. These herbs add a new twist. You could also go for fresh herbs if you have them. Just remember, fresh herbs have a stronger flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Adding nuts or cheese can make your stuffing balls even better. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you prefer cheese, try adding shredded cheddar or feta. Both options add great flavor and richness. Just mix them in with the other ingredients. You’ll enjoy the surprise in each bite! To keep your leftover stuffing balls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Layer them gently to avoid squishing. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you like a crispy edge, remove the foil for the last few minutes. To freeze, let the stuffing balls cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time. Make them up to a day in advance. After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you are ready, simply bake them as directed. This saves time and makes your holiday meal stress-free. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with: - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Green bean casserole - A fresh salad - Gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping These sides create a balanced meal and complement the flavors of the stuffing balls well. To check if the stuffing balls are done, look for a golden brown color. They should feel firm to the touch. You can also use a food thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C). Once they reach this temperature, you can be sure they are safe to eat. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls blend tasty ingredients and simple steps. We explored main components, measurements, and swaps for your needs. I outlined how to prep, mix, and bake, ensuring a delicious result. You learned tips for flavor and texture, plus fun variations like vegetarian options and unique add-ins. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy creating these stuffing balls for your next meal! They will impress your guests and add joy to your table.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delicious stuffing balls made with turkey, cranberries, and herbs, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 0.25 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup onion, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried sage
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, shredded turkey, chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and minced onion. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  • Add the dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir until all the dry herbs and spices are well incorporated into the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth until they are thoroughly combined.
  • Pour the egg and broth mixture over the bread and turkey mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is evenly moistened, taking care not to make it mushy.
  • Using your hands, form small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter from the mixture. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  • Lightly drizzle the tops of the stuffing balls with olive oil to help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior while baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  • Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the warm stuffing balls on a decorative platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or sprigs of rosemary for a pop of color, and include a small bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping on the side.
Keyword appetizer, cranberry, holiday, stuffing, turkey