Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious and festive way to use up holiday leftovers. Combining tender turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet dried cranberries, these bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer or snack. They are baked until golden brown and can be served warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Balls Mixture
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 3 cups prepared stuffing (cooled)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
For Brushing (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped turkey, cooled prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery and onion, lightly beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until fully mixed.
- Adjust Mixture Consistency: If the mixture feels dry and crumbly, gradually add turkey or chicken broth one tablespoon at a time and mix gently until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into 12 to 14 balls about 2 inches in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter (Optional): For a golden, flavorful crust, lightly brush the tops of the stuffing balls with melted butter before baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are heated through and have a beautiful golden brown exterior.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cranberry turkey stuffing balls warm alongside your favorite gravy or cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Great use for holiday leftovers, making mealtime more exciting and minimizing waste.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or frozen before baking for convenience.
- Chicken can be substituted for turkey if desired.
- For a crispier texture, consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking time.
