Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to use leftover turkey and stuffing during the holidays. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they are also easy to make. This recipe combines the savory flavors of turkey and stuffing with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. These stuffing balls are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a simple snack at home.
One of the best parts about making these stuffing balls is that you can customize them to your liking. You can add different herbs, spices, or even vegetables to suit your taste. They are a great way to use up leftover ingredients you may have from previous meals. Another reason to make this recipe is that it’s quick to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can have these tasty bites ready for your family and friends.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can also be a fun cooking project, especially when you have kids around. They can help mix the ingredients and shape the balls. Not only does this make cooking enjoyable, but it also creates a great memory. Overall, making these stuffing balls is a smart choice for anyone looking to create a delicious, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need cooked turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, eggs, and some herbs like thyme and rosemary. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your stuffing balls cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey and stuffing. Add in the dried cranberries and chopped herbs. Crack the eggs into the mixture and stir everything together until it’s well blended. The mixture should be moist enough to hold when shaped into balls. If it’s too dry, you can add a bit of turkey broth or water to help it stick.
Once your mixture is ready, scoop out a portion and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Let them cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are versatile and can be served in many ways. One simple way is to place them on a serving platter while they are still warm. You can offer a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping, adding an extra punch of flavor.
For a more festive presentation, consider garnishing the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances the aroma. You can serve them as appetizers during a holiday party or as part of the main meal alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.
These stuffing balls also make excellent lunchbox fillers. Just pack them in a container, and they will stay tasty even when cold. You can even use them in a salad for a hearty lunch or snack. They are also great for game day snacks when you have friends over.
How to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Storing leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is easy. First, let them cool completely on the countertop. Once they are cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze the stuffing balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quick snack. If they were frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first; just heat them direct from the freezer.
Tips to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
To ensure your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls turn out perfect, here are some helpful tips. Make sure you use cooked turkey; roasted or grilled turkey works well. If you’re cooking the turkey just for this recipe, ensure you season it well for added flavor.
It’s important to not overmix the ingredients. When combining the turkey, stuffing, and other ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough stuffing balls. Also, if the mixture feels too dry, add a little turkey broth to moisten it.
Shape the balls with your hands, and try to make them all uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. Also, for a crispy outer layer, you can lightly spray the formed balls with cooking oil before baking them. This gives them a nice golden color and crunchy texture. Lastly, feel free to experiment with spices and herbs. Every kitchen is different, so find the combination you love best!
Variation
You can easily adjust the flavor of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls by adding different ingredients. For a spicy kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you love cheese, mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
You can also substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or even sausage for a different twist. Experimenting with different herbs like sage or parsley can change the flavor profile dramatically.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover stuffing instead of making my own?
Yes, leftover stuffing works great for this recipe! Just mix it with the other ingredients as directed.
2. How do I know when the stuffing balls are done?
They are done when they are golden brown on the outside and heated through. You can check one in the middle to be sure.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them. Just reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
You can serve them with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a simple salad as sides.
5. How long do leftovers last?
Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious way to use leftover turkey and stuffing, these bite-sized balls are perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Turkey broth or water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped turkey and stuffing.
- Add dried cranberries and chopped herbs to the mixture.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and stir until well blended. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of turkey broth or water.
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into golf ball-sized balls.
- Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispy outer layer, lightly spray the formed balls with cooking oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: turkey, stuffing, appetizer, holiday recipe, leftovers
