The year we hosted Thanksgiving in our tiny rental kitchen, I needed a dish that checked three boxes: make-ahead friendly, portable, and crowd-pleasing. Traditional stuffing was always a favorite, but honestly? It took up too much oven space. That’s when I tested the idea of forming the stuffing into bite-sized portions—infused with juicy turkey and just a hint of sweet-tart cranberry.
The result? Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls that were everything I needed them to be: savory, golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft inside. They’ve been on my holiday table ever since—perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even next-day snacks.
Easy Prep for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Mix and Prep in Just One Bowl
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—no need to complicate things with too many dishes. Toss in 4 cups of dried bread cubes, a half cup each of dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. These ingredients build the texture and mild sweetness that make these stuffing balls special.
In a separate bowl, mix 1 pound of ground turkey with ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and a beaten egg. Add in your seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried sage, ½ teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. This mixture brings all the cozy flavors of stuffing into a single bite.
Shape and Bake for Golden Perfection
Pour the turkey mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently until it’s fully combined. Then, with clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls. You’ll end up with about 16–20 of them.
Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the balls evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. They’ll come out golden, aromatic, and slightly crisp on the edges—ready to serve warm or cool.
Make It Your Own: Serving & Variations for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls aren’t just a clever twist on a traditional dish—they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them as a holiday side, pass them as an appetizer at your next gathering, or even use them as a protein-packed snack between meals.
For formal dinners, arrange the stuffing balls on a platter with a bowl of gravy in the center for dipping. Want something more festive? Drizzle warm cranberry sauce over the top just before serving. They’re also fantastic with turkey gravy or a dollop of mashed potatoes on the side.
These bite-sized portions also make for perfect leftovers. Pop a few into a lunchbox with a green salad, or reheat and serve alongside scrambled eggs for a cozy post-holiday breakfast.
Flavor Twists to Try
If you’re looking to tweak the flavor, there are so many easy ways to make these stuffing balls your own. Add cooked, crumbled sausage to the turkey mixture for extra richness. For a vegetarian twist, swap ground turkey with a plant-based substitute and use vegetable broth.
Don’t like dried cranberries? Try chopped dried apricots or raisins instead for a similar sweet note. You could also throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and a nutty edge.
Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the mix. Prefer a more traditional flavor profile? Replace the cranberries with sautéed mushrooms for an earthier vibe.
Whatever your preference, these stuffing balls can adapt easily—and that’s what makes them a must-have during busy holiday cooking. They offer all the flavor of stuffing and turkey, but in a tidy little bundle that bakes up beautifully every time.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cups dried bread cubes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients:
- Mix bread cubes, cranberries, celery, and onion in a large bowl.
- Combine ground turkey, broth, butter, egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Form Balls: Add turkey mixture to the bread cubes. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Store, Reheat, and Enjoy Your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
How to Store and Reheat
One of the biggest benefits of these stuffing balls is how easily they fit into your meal prep plans. Once baked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps them crisp back up on the outside while staying soft and moist inside. For a quicker option, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying them out.
Planning to freeze them? Go ahead! After baking and cooling, arrange the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15–18 minutes, until warmed through.
Nutrition Snapshot: Light and Satisfying
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are surprisingly light, especially for a holiday-style dish. Each ball is around 80 calories, making it easy to enjoy a few without overdoing it.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Ball |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
These are a smart option for anyone looking to enjoy those comforting Thanksgiving flavors without heavy portions or complicated prep.
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls FAQs + Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use fresh bread instead of dried bread cubes?
Yes, but dried bread holds its shape better. If using fresh bread, toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes until dry.
Q2: Can I prep the mixture ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely. You can mix the ingredients, shape the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: What can I use instead of cranberries?
Chopped dried apricots or golden raisins offer a similar sweet note. You can also skip dried fruit altogether if you prefer a more savory version.
Q4: How do I keep the balls from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist but not soggy. The egg and broth bind everything together. If needed, chill the formed balls for 15 minutes before baking.
Conclusion: A Handheld Holiday Classic
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are one of those recipes that look impressive, taste amazing, and simplify your holiday prep. They’re flavorful, tender, and easy to portion—making them ideal for large gatherings or quiet dinners at home.
From the savory turkey to the subtle sweetness of cranberry, each bite delivers comfort and celebration. Plus, their make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature takes stress off your plate—literally. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or using up leftovers, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to be a seasonal favorite.
