These tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a fun twist for your holiday table! Packed with savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and cozy spices, they are sure to please everyone!
Making these little bites is super easy! Just mix everything together, roll into balls, and bake. They make a great snack or a side—you might even eat them all before dinner! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This main protein is lean and perfect for stuffing balls. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Stuffing Mix: Herb-flavored stuffing mix adds flavor, but plain works too. Consider using gluten-free stuffing mix for a gluten-free version, or even homemade bread crumbs mixed with herbs if you prefer a more customized taste.
Dried Cranberries: These provide lovely sweetness. You can substitute with raisins, chopped apples, or dried cherries. For a more tart kick, you could use chopped fresh cranberries if you don’t mind adjusting the sweetness in the mix.
Vegetables (Onion, Celery, Carrot): Feel free to mix and match! Leeks, bell peppers, or even zucchini can add interesting flavors. Use whatever veggies you have on hand, but keep the amounts similar for balance!
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Balls Hold Together?
Making sure your stuffing balls stay together is essential for easy handling and cooking! Follow these tips:
- Mix thoroughly but don’t overwork the mixture as it makes the balls dense.
- The mixture should be moist. If it’s too dry, it won’t hold together. Consider adding a bit more chicken broth if needed.
- Shape the balls gently but firmly. Press them into shape without over-compressing.
- Cooking them in a skillet before baking helps set the shape, making them easier to handle. Just a few minutes for browning will do the trick!
By keeping these pointers in mind, you’ll have perfectly shaped and delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls every time. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups stuffing mix (herb-flavored or plain)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Your culinary adventure will take approximately 15 minutes for prep and about 20-25 minutes for cooking, so in total, set aside around 40-45 minutes. This includes some time for the mixture to soak and for the awesome stuffing balls to bake. A quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and warm for your stuffing balls. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or you can lightly grease it if you prefer.
2. Soak The Stuffing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix your stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Let it soak for about 5 minutes until it softens up. This is a great step for making sure your stuffing balls have that perfect moisture level!
3. Combine The Ingredients:
Once the stuffing is soft, add ground turkey, dried cranberries, chopped onion, celery, carrot, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Go ahead and mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You want it all to come together perfectly!
4. Shape The Balls:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—they’ll still taste great!
5. Brown The Balls:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your balls in batches and brown them on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side to get that lovely golden color.
6. Bake Them:
After browning, carefully transfer the balls back to the baking sheet and pop them in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and firm to the touch—deliciousness awaits!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra dried cranberries or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy these delightful cranberry turkey stuffing balls as a perfect appetizer or side dish!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use a Different Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a delicious twist.
What If I Don’t Have Stuffing Mix?
No problem! You can make your own stuffing mix using equal parts dried bread cubes and herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Just ensure the mixture is seasoned to your taste before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffing balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to cook them from the fridge; they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they’re cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads!