The first time I made cranberry turkey stuffing balls, I was standing in my kitchen surrounded by the chaos of Thanksgiving prep. The turkey was roasting, pies were cooling, and there I was with a bowl of leftover stuffing and turkey, wondering how to make it extra special. That’s when I remembered my nonna’s way of turning leftovers into little bites of comfort. Adding cranberries gave them a tart pop, and rolling them into balls made them fun for kids and adults alike. These stuffing balls became an instant holiday tradition, right alongside Thanksgiving turkey.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls combine everything you crave from a holiday plate into one bite. The savory stuffing, juicy turkey, and tart cranberries balance beautifully. They’re crispy on the outside yet soft inside, making them perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even a grab-and-go snack for the day after Thanksgiving. They also freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead for stress-free entertaining. If you’ve ever loved the sweet-savory magic of cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, you’ll appreciate how these little bites deliver that same festive flavor in a compact, party-ready form.
Print
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a festive way to enjoy holiday flavors. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack made with turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 stuffing balls 1x
Ingredients
3 cups leftover stuffing
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
½ cup dried cranberries
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup chicken broth (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, cranberries, parsley, garlic powder, and egg.
3. If mixture feels dry, add chicken broth until it holds together.
4. Roll into golf ball–sized portions and place on the sheet.
5. Brush with melted butter.
6. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden and warmed through.
Notes
Freeze unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months.
Serve with cranberry sauce or turkey gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
To make cranberry turkey stuffing balls, you’ll need simple pantry and holiday leftovers:
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh if you prefer)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth (only if mixture feels dry)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
For serving, you can pair these with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or both. Pairing them with green bean casserole makes the perfect holiday spread.
How to Make It
Making these stuffing balls is simple and rewarding.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberries, parsley, garlic powder, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- If mixture feels too dry, add a splash of chicken broth. It should hold together when rolled.
- Roll into golf ball–sized portions and place on the prepared sheet.
- Brush with melted butter for golden crispness.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and warmed through.
These pair wonderfully with a drizzle of gravy or even a dip in Thanksgiving stuffing recipe for extra nostalgia.
Tips and Variations
- Cheesy upgrade: Add cubes of mozzarella or cheddar in the center for a melty surprise.
- Air fryer method: Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Flavor twist: Swap parsley for rosemary or sage to bring out seasonal depth.
- Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then store in bags for up to 2 months.
- Cranberry swap: If you’re out of dried cranberries, chopped apricots or raisins add a sweet note.
Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty plate that feels both familiar and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed stuffing mix instead of homemade?
Yes! Boxed stuffing works fine. Just prepare it as directed, then use it in place of homemade stuffing.
How do I keep the stuffing balls from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist enough. Add broth if it crumbles and always include the beaten egg to bind.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the turkey and use sautéed mushrooms or lentils for texture, just like you might when preparing spinach and artichoke wonton cups.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Classic turkey gravy or cranberry sauce pairs beautifully. A honey-mustard dip also gives a tangy contrast.
Final Touch
Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are more than just a way to use leftovers, they’re a way to bring warmth and joy to the table. Each bite is loaded with holiday comfort, balancing savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and sweet cranberries. They’re easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing, ensuring no holiday gathering feels complete without them. When you’re looking for a festive addition beyond your charcuterie board, these stuffing balls deliver both flavor and tradition in every bite.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
