There’s something about the holidays that wraps us in cozy warmth like a favorite knitted blanket. The air is filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and fresh pine, and laughter dances in the kitchen as family and friends gather. One special memory that always comes to mind is the delightful time I spent cooking with my grandma. We’d whip up all sorts of delicious dishes, but her stuffing was the star of the show, bursting with flavor and nostalgia. That’s why I absolutely adore these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—they’re a tribute to those cherished moments, and they make an easy, festive appetizer that everyone can enjoy! Trust me, your gathering won’t be complete without these little gems!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy holiday prep—whip these up in no time!
- Flavorful Hit: The combination of turkey, cranberries, and herbs creates a delightful burst of flavor.
- Versatile: Serve as appetizers or pair with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and bake right before serving!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! You’ll find these steps as easy as pie (yummy pie!).
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Getting it warmed up ahead of time makes for a perfect bake!
- Sauté the veggies: In a small pan, drizzle a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring them until they become fragrant and tender (about 5 minutes). This step really elevates the flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, parsley, eggs, sage, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to blend everything together—feel free to get a bit messy, it’ll be worth it!
- Form the balls: Grab a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball (about the size of a golf ball). Place each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep an eye on the size; if they’re too big, they may not cook evenly.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to get that golden color. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re cooked through and starting to brown. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Last but not least, let them cool for a few minutes—if you can resist! They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool.
Pro Tips & Variations
Don’t hesitate to have fun with this recipe! Here are some playful twists you might enjoy:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Herb selection: Mix of herbs like fresh rosemary or basil can give it a new depth!
- Cheesy goodness: Consider adding a half cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) for a cheesy stuffing ball!
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a suitable option.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are so different and delicious that you can serve them in many ways. Here’s how I love to serve them:
- As a platter: Arrange them on a festive plate with a side of cranberry sauce or a tangy dipping sauce.
- With Salads: Toss them over a hearty arugula or mixed greens salad for a delightful addition.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Make a lovely meal by serving them alongside some fluffy rice or nutty quinoa.
Grab a cozy drink and enjoy these flavorful bites as appetizers during your holiday gatherings!
Storage Tips
These stuffing balls are not only delicious fresh, but they also store well for later. Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerating: Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze them before or after baking. For unbaked, flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. For baked ones, just pop them in a sealed bag or container.
- Reheating: For freezing, bake them straight from the frozen state for about 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If thawed, reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes to get that lovely crisp back!
FAQs
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, form the balls, and then leave them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Or you can bake them ahead and reheat right before serving!
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes, you can swap ground turkey for chicken or even go vegetarian with some hearty vegetables and cooked grains as the base!
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
No problem! Dried cranberries work beautifully in this recipe too. Just chop them a bit if they’re large!
Can I use different herbs?
For sure! Feel free to get creative with your herb selection. Fresh herbs often have a bolder flavor, so experiment to find the mix you love best!
Conclusion
I hope this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen and gatherings as it does to mine! I can’t wait for you to try these easy and delicious bites. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share how yours turned out or if you added any special twists of your own. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
Delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Easy Appetizer
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 balls 1x
Description
Try these easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for a festive holiday appetizer Perfect blend of flavors ready to impress your guests 154 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
These delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an easy, festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Bursting with flavor and nostalgia, they can be made ahead for your convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
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