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To make these tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls, gather the following items: - 2 cups stale bread, cubed - 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup chopped celery - 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon dried sage - 1/2 teaspoon thyme - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 egg, beaten - 1/4 cup chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling) You can swap ingredients if needed. Here are some easy options: - Use fresh bread instead of stale for a softer texture. - Substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey to save time. - Replace dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apples for a twist. - Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh bread gives better flavor and texture. Fresh veggies add crunch and taste. Dried herbs should not be too old. They lose flavor over time. When you use fresh items, your stuffing balls will taste amazing. Always choose ingredients that are in good shape. This will make your dish shine. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of stale bread cubes, 1 cup of shredded turkey, and 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries. 3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped celery and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion to the bowl. 4. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. 5. In another bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. 6. Pour the egg mixture into the bread and turkey mix. Stir gently until everything is moistened but not mushy. 7. With your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in size. Place them on the lined baking sheet. 8. Drizzle the tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. 9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls turn golden brown and feel firm when touched. - Space the stuffing balls evenly on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to flow around them. - Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even heat distribution. - Keep an eye on the color. You want them golden brown but not burnt. To make great stuffing balls, use stale bread. Fresh bread can make them soggy. Cut the bread into small cubes, about half an inch. This helps them hold together better. Mix your dry ingredients first. This ensures even flavor in each bite. When you add the liquid, do it slowly. This way, the bread absorbs the moisture without getting too wet. Form the balls gently. Too much pressure can make them dense. Aim for about 1.5 inches in size for even baking. If your stuffing balls fall apart, you might need more moisture. Try adding a bit more chicken broth or egg. If they are too dry, add a splash of broth. If they don’t brown well, make sure to drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This helps them get that nice, golden color. If they taste bland, add a bit more salt and herbs. Taste your mixture before baking to adjust flavors. Mixing is key for the right texture. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients. This keeps the bread from getting too mushy. Make sure all the pieces of turkey and cranberries are evenly spread. When shaping, use a light touch. Roll the mixture into balls without squeezing too hard. Place them on the baking sheet with some space between them. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy edges. Always bake in a preheated oven. This ensures they cook through and brown nicely. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread is key for the best texture; it absorbs moisture without becoming soggy. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, apples, or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the stuffing balls tender and prevent them from becoming dense. Check for Crispiness: For extra crunch, broil the stuffing balls for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. If you want a twist, try using cornbread instead of stale bread. Cornbread adds a light, sweet flavor. You can also use leftover chicken if turkey is not available. For a fruity kick, add chopped apples or pears. They pair well with cranberries and turkey. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Many brands make great gluten-free bread that works well in this recipe. If you want a vegetarian version, replace turkey with cooked mushrooms or chickpeas. These alternatives add texture and protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary. They brighten the dish and add a nice aroma. A splash of lemon juice can also enhance the taste. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This gives your stuffing balls a bit of heat and depth. To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long they have been stored. When you’re ready to eat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up nicely and keeps them crisp. You can also microwave them, but they may not stay as crunchy. To freeze, first let the stuffing balls cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make these stuffing balls ahead of time. Prepare the mixture up to step 6. Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just drizzle with olive oil and bake as directed. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair well with many dishes. Here are some great ideas: - Roast turkey or chicken - A warm green salad - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - A side of cranberry sauce for dipping - Steamed or roasted vegetables These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To check if your stuffing balls are done, look for a golden brown color. They should feel firm to the touch. You can also use a food thermometer. Insert it into the center of a ball. It should read 165°F (74°C). If they are not done, bake them for a few more minutes. In this blog post, we explored how to make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. We covered the key ingredients, including options for substitutions and the importance of freshness. The step-by-step instructions ensured clear cooking methods. We shared helpful tips to improve your results and variations to fit different diets. Finally, we discussed proper storage and reheating. Remember, using fresh ingredients leads to better taste. Enjoy making this dish and impress your guests!

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
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, celery, and onion.
  • Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth until well blended.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the bread and turkey mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are moistened but not overly mushy.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the tops of the stuffing balls with olive oil to encourage browning during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, and pair with a small bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping.
Keyword cranberry, holiday, stuffing, turkey