Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls

There’s something magical about the aroma of roasted turkey mingling with the sweet, tangy scent of cranberries, don’t you think? It takes me back to those cozy holiday gatherings with family, where the kitchen buzzed with laughter and the gentle clinking of cutlery against plates. It’s in these moments, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones and the comfort of a home-cooked meal, that we find the true essence of Easy Peasy Recipes.

Today, I’m inviting you to bring a slice of that nostalgia to your own table with my Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls. Imagine biting into these golden, flavorful morsels — crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with that delightful pop of cranberry. They’re not just a treat for your taste buds but also a heartwarming reminder of the joy of gathering around the table.

Why should you make these Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls? Because they’re the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. They bring the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into your home, no matter the time of year. With each bite, you’ll taste the care and love poured into homemade cooking — the hallmark of Paisley Hart’s Easy Peasy Recipes. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner that needs a touch of something special.

These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. You can serve them during a festive Thanksgiving dinner, or make them part of a summer picnic spread. Their rich flavors and delightful texture make them a favorite choice for any gathering, allowing you to share the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal with those you care about most. The simplicity of the recipe ensures you can whip them up without the stress, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — enjoying the meal with family and friends.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

Four friendly benefits of making these delightful stuffing balls:

1. A Taste of Tradition: These stuffing balls capture the beloved flavors of a holiday meal in every bite, perfect for bringing a touch of festive magic to any occasion.
2. Family-Friendly Fun: Shaping the stuffing mixture into balls is an activity that little helping hands will love — a wonderful way to involve the family in the kitchen.
3. Versatile Delight: Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or the main event, these turkey cranberry stuffing balls are sure to be a hit.
4. Stress-Free Cooking: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is designed to make cooking stress-free and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these stuffing balls doesn’t require a master chef’s toolkit. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients. Make sure it’s big enough to allow for easy mixing, which helps ensure the flavors blend well across all the stuffing balls.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for mixing the turkey and seasoning. This separation allows you to ensure the meat is well-seasoned before combining with the bread mixture.
• Baking Sheet: To ensure even cooking, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The parchment paper prevents sticking, ensuring your stuffing balls come off easily without breaking.
• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C), it will bring these stuffing balls to golden perfection. The consistent heat ensures an even cook, providing that perfect crispy exterior.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting the right balance of flavors. Precision in measurement helps maintain the integrity of the flavors and texture.
• Wooden Spoon or Hands: Sometimes the best tools are the ones you were born with — your hands are perfect for forming these delightful balls. Using your hands allows you to feel the consistency, ensuring the stuffing balls are firm enough to hold their shape.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Cooking doesn’t get any simpler or more rewarding than this. Let’s dive into the process:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for cooking the stuffing balls evenly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the flavors are distributed evenly before the wet ingredients are added.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step allows the ground turkey to be well-seasoned, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
4. Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and mix until well combined. The mixture should be slightly moist. If it feels too dry, add a little more chicken broth. The right moisture level is key to forming balls that hold together without being soggy.
5. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This size is perfect for cooking through evenly and serving as a bite-sized delight.
6. Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Baking them until golden ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and flavorful.
7. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or appetizer. These stuffing balls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, where their aroma and texture are at their peak.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 25 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes • Calories: 150 per serving • Servings: 12

Note: For a richer flavor, try substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth, or adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. These small tweaks can personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

What makes these stuffing balls not only delicious but also a little nutritious? Let’s take a look at some of the key ingredients:

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that’s lower in fat compared to beef, making it a healthier choice for those mindful of their intake. It provides a hearty base that complements the other flavors.
• Dried Cranberries: Not just a pop of sweetness, these little gems are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. They add a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
• Celery and Onion: These vegetables add crunch and depth of flavor while providing fiber and essential nutrients. They are the backbone of many savory dishes, adding complexity and freshness.
• Herbs and Spices: Sage and thyme aren’t just flavor powerhouses; they’re also rich in antioxidants. Garlic powder adds an aromatic boost while supporting heart health. These herbs give the stuffing balls their signature holiday flavor.

These ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that’s not only tasty but also offers some wholesome benefits, making this dish a delightful addition to your meal plan.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

The beauty of these Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls is their versatility. They pair beautifully with a variety of dishes:

• Cranberry Sauce: Enhance the cranberry flavor with a side of homemade sauce. The additional sweetness and tartness can elevate the overall experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try a medley of seasonal produce like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. The roasted vegetables add a layer of earthiness and complement the stuffing balls perfectly.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes are a classic complement to the savory stuffing balls. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy exterior of the stuffing balls.
• Gravy: Drizzle some rich, homemade gravy over the top for an extra layer of comfort. Gravy adds moisture and depth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Whether you’re serving these at a holiday meal or a casual dinner, they fit right in with the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked favorites. These pairings can elevate a simple meal to a gourmet experience, delighting your guests with every bite.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare but delightful problem!), storing them is a breeze:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. This method keeps the stuffing balls fresh and prevents them from drying out.
• Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This option allows you to enjoy them later without losing quality.
• Reheating: For a quick meal, pop them in the microwave, or for that just-baked texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This ensures they’re warm and delicious without becoming soggy.

Leftovers can be just as exciting as the original meal. Try crumbling the stuffing balls over a salad for a hearty lunch or use them as filling for a savory sandwich. You can also chop them up and add them to a soup for a comforting twist. These creative uses of leftovers make sure nothing goes to waste and can infuse your meals with new flavors.

As you embark on this culinary journey, remember that the heart of Easy Peasy Recipes is rooted in the love and joy of sharing a meal with those you cherish. Cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s about the memories and warmth you create along the way. These Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls are more than just a dish — they’re an invitation to savor life’s simple pleasures, one bite at a time.

Savory Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a side dish or appetizer during the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 balls

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stuffing Mixture

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, celery, and onion.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and mix until well combined. If it feels too dry, add more chicken broth.
5. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
7. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.

Notes

These stuffing balls can be made ahead and frozen. Reheat in the oven before serving. They are a great way to use up leftover bread.