© Original recipe by Savor & Snap ©
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer 🎉🦃✨
1. Introduction
Looking for an amazing holiday appetizer that will impress your guests? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate festive snack, combining savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and seasoned stuffing into bite-sized party starters. Perfect for any seasonal gathering, these seasonal hors d’oeuvres are easy to assemble, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a favorite on your holiday table. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a New Year’s celebration, these stuffing balls are a must-try!
2. Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups stuffing cubes or prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil or cooking spray for baking
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Adding Cranberries and Egg
Add the dried cranberries, beaten egg, and chopped parsley to the turkey mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Incorporating the Stuffing
Gently fold in the prepared stuffing cubes or pre-made stuffing until the mixture is uniform. The stuffing will act as a binder and add flavor to the meatballs.
Forming the Stuffing Balls
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
Baking the Holiday Appetizer
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. For a crispier exterior, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
4. Storage Tips for Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the cooked balls for up to a month, then reheat directly from frozen.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Festive Snack
Serve these party starters with a variety of dipping sauces, such as cranberry sauce, sour cream, or a spicy mustard. They are equally delicious served alongside a fresh garden salad or as part of a larger holiday platter. For an added touch, garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated presentation.
If you’d like some creative accompaniment ideas, check out this creamy spinach and mushroom pasta or try a quick dessert like chewy chocolate chip cookies.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and shape the balls up to a day in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey?
Absolutely! These stuffing balls work well with ground chicken or beef as a festive snack. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
If you use gluten-free stuffing and verify all ingredients, these can be adapted for a gluten-free seasonal hors d’oeuvre. Always check labels for any hidden gluten.
How long do they take to make?
The entire process, from preparing to baking, takes approximately 40 minutes, making it a quick and easy party starter option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with high-quality tools from these trusted sources. A good Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer makes reheating or even baking these balls a breeze, providing perfect results every time. For preparing ingredients effortlessly, consider a KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer. And to ensure even cooking, a versatile Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer can help you achieve crispy textures with less oil. Perfect tools for elevating your holiday cooking!
8. Conclusion
The Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate festive snack that combines traditional holiday flavors with a modern, bite-sized twist. Easy to prepare, visually appealing, and irresistibly delicious, these seasonal hors d’oeuvres will be the highlight of your next gathering. Impress your guests with this delightful party starter and enjoy a memorable holiday celebration!
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
A delightful holiday appetizer featuring tender turkey, tangy cranberries, and hearty stuffing, shaped into crispy balls for easy sharing.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, herbs, salt, pepper, eggs, and cheese.
- Form mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Alternatively, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the balls until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Notes
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve with cranberry sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Bake and Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 105 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg