Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Cozy Holiday Favorite in Every Bite

There’s something so nostalgic about the holiday season the smell of sage, the sizzle of butter, and the comfort of familiar flavors filling the kitchen. When I first made these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, it was a chilly November evening, and I wanted something festive without going all out with a full turkey dinner. These savory little bundles of joy have since become a go-to favorite for holiday parties, potlucks, and even as a clever way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Juicy turkey, herb-seasoned stuffing, tart cranberries, and crisp veggies rolled into hearty balls and baked to golden perfection what’s not to love?

this Recipe

What Is Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Instead of being served as a side dish in a casserole dish, this version is rolled into bite-sized or palm-sized portions and baked. They combine cooked turkey (perfect for leftovers), seasoned stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and broth into cohesive, handheld bites. Often drizzled with warm gravy, these stuffing balls are both festive and functional, serving as a side dish, appetizer, or even main course.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
These stuffing balls are essentially the holidays wrapped up into one satisfying bite. You’ll love the contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the soft, flavorful interior. The sweetness of dried cranberries perfectly balances the savoriness of turkey and herbs. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or simply want to repurpose leftovers in a creative way, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep or unexpected guests.

How Does It Taste?
Imagine a forkful of perfectly seasoned stuffing, studded with juicy bites of turkey, bursts of tart cranberry, and the aromatic lift of sautéed celery and onion—only now, that forkful is compacted into a golden, crispy orb. The flavor is deeply savory with hints of sweetness and a subtle tang from the cranberries. When topped with rich turkey or chicken gravy, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Health & Ingredient Benefits
While this dish leans toward the indulgent side, it also packs some nutritional perks. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a satiating component. Celery and onions bring fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like Vitamin K and folate. Cranberries add a pop of natural sweetness and are known for their anti-inflammatory and urinary tract health benefits. By using low-sodium broth and whole grain stuffing mix, you can easily give this dish a healthier profile without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped

1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix (like Stove Top)

1 cup chicken or turkey broth

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons butter

2 large eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Optional: turkey or chicken gravy for serving

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl

Medium skillet

Baking sheet

Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Measuring cups and spoons

Ice cream scoop or hands for forming balls

Small saucepan (for heating gravy, optional)

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Meat: Substitute chicken for turkey, or use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.

Stuffing Mix: Use homemade stuffing or a cornbread mix for added depth.

Fruit: Swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots or apples for a sweeter variation.

Cheese: Add shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan for a richer bite.

Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Herbs: Fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary add a rustic herbal flavor boost.

How to Make

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sauté veggies: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions but use broth instead of water for extra flavor. Let cool slightly.

Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared stuffing, cooked turkey, sautéed veggies, cranberries, and beaten eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Form balls: Use your hands or a scoop to shape mixture into balls (about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger).

Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve: Drizzle with warm gravy and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

What to Serve With
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main dish with a side of mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, or roasted Brussels sprouts. As an appetizer, pair them with a cranberry dipping sauce or small ramekins of gravy. For a full holiday plate, add sweet potatoes, rolls, and a salad with apple cider vinaigrette.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the mixture; you want everything combined but not mushy.

Use broth sparingly at first to avoid soggy balls add more only if needed.

Lightly grease your hands when forming the balls to prevent sticking.

Let the mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.

For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold stuffing: It won’t bind well and may result in crumbly balls.

Skipping the eggs: Eggs act as a binder—without them, the mixture may fall apart.

Overbaking: They can dry out quickly, so watch closely during the final minutes.

Not preheating the oven: An evenly hot oven ensures consistent browning.

How to Store & Reheat
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. To freeze, place cooled balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Are these gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check your broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based meat or additional sautéed veggies and swap in vegetable broth.

Do I have to use leftover turkey?
Nope! You can use freshly cooked turkey or even rotisserie chicken in a pinch.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
Calories: 180
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 420mg

Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about the holidays in one delicious bite. Whether you’re looking to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these golden bundles are savory, sweet, and packed with flavor. Best of all, they’re simple to make and versatile enough to adapt to any dietary preference. Give them a try this season you might just start a new tradition.

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September 2, 2025 by Melissa