I’m always on the hunt for clever ways to transform holiday leftovers, and these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls might just be my new favorite solution. There’s something magical about taking yesterday’s turkey and turning it into today’s star attraction. The combination of savory stuffing, tart cranberries, and tender turkey creates perfect bite-sized morsels that capture all those nostalgic Thanksgiving flavors. Ready to turn your refrigerator remnants into something your family will actually get excited about? Let me show you how simple it can be.
Why You’ll Love these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
I’m obsessed with how these bite-sized morsels solve the eternal leftover dilemma. Who wants to eat the same turkey dinner three days in a row? Not me.
Plus, they’re perfectly portioned—no more fighting over who gets the crispy edge pieces of traditional stuffing. Simply pop one in your mouth and savor the festive flavors.
What Ingredients are in Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
These festive little bites pack all the flavors of Thanksgiving into a perfectly portable package, using simple ingredients you might already have on hand after your holiday meal.
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
For best results, I recommend using slightly stale bread for your crumbs rather than the store-bought kind—they absorb the flavors better and give these stuffing balls that perfect, homemade texture that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it’s such a breeze).
How to Make these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Making these delicious stuffing balls couldn’t be simpler, and they’re the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into something new and exciting. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, the parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of bread crumbs (remember, slightly stale bread makes the best crumbs!), 1 cup of shredded cooked turkey, ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries, ½ cup of finely diced onion, ½ cup of diced celery, and ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley until everything is well distributed.
Now for the flavor boosters! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth to moisten the mixture, and crack in 1 large egg to bind everything together. Get your hands in there (yes, it’s messy, but who doesn’t secretly enjoy squishing food between their fingers?) and mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed—if it seems too dry, add a tiny splash more broth; too wet, and a few more bread crumbs will do the trick.
For the best results, you could also prepare this mixture in a Dutch oven cast iron which provides exceptional heat retention and distribution for perfectly browned stuffing balls.
Time to shape! Scoop up about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll between your palms to form balls about the size of a golf ball. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for even browning. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like Thanksgiving and the balls are firm to the touch. Let them cool for just a minute before serving—they’re absolutely divine when warm, especially with a little gravy or cranberry sauce on the side!
What to Serve with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Now that your stuffing balls are ready and looking golden-brown, let’s talk about what to pair with these flavor-packed bites. They’re incredibly versatile and can shine as both appetizers or main dish companions.
For a cozy dinner, I recommend serving them with buttery mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Want something lighter? A crisp green salad with apple slices works beautifully.
Don’t forget the sauces! While the recipe suggests gravy or cranberry sauce, I find a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of garlic aioli equally delightful.
Who needs a fancy centerpiece when these little gems steal the show?
Leftovers and Storage for these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
While enjoying your cranberry turkey stuffing balls fresh from the oven is a delight, proper storage can make these little treasures last for days to come. Simply allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Need them to last longer? Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Good as new, I promise.
Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Substitutions and Variations
Everyone loves having options, and these stuffing balls are wonderfully adaptable to whatever you’ve got on hand. No turkey? Swap in chicken or even some crispy bacon. Dried cherries or raisins can pinch-hit for cranberries, while a handful of chopped pecans adds delightful crunch.
Not a fan of thyme? Rosemary or sage work beautifully. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs. Vegetarians might replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms for that meaty texture.
Want them extra indulgent? Tuck a small cube of brie or cheddar into the center. Talk about a melty surprise!
Final Thoughts
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls wrap up the best flavors of the holiday season into bite-sized morsels that’ll win over your dinner guests. I can’t think of a better way to use leftover turkey while creating something that feels completely new and exciting.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even the star of a holiday lunch. They’re portable, too—perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings where you’re asked to bring something special. For dessert, consider pairing them with warm spices cookies that balance cinnamon, cloves, and ginger for a complete holiday meal experience.
Trust me, you’ll want to double the batch.