Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Thanksgiving in Every Bite

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Easy Thanksgiving Bites

By Lucas BennettSeptember 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ever get that craving for Thanksgiving dinner, but don't want the whole shebang? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm obsessed with these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls .

They're like little bites of heaven, packed with all the best flavours. You know, that sweet and savory combo that just screams autumn.

Why You'll Love These Stuffing Bites

These are not your average Stuffing Balls Recipe . We're talking serious flavour. These Cranberry Stuffing bites are inspired by American Thanksgiving, but hey, they’re too good to only have once a year! Perfect for using up Leftover Turkey Recipes , they're also super easy to make.

This Easy Thanksgiving Recipe yields around 24 balls, perfect for sharing.

Benefits and Occasions

These little gems are packed with protein and fiber. Think of the health benefits of the Cranberry Turkey Appetizer , all in one delicious bite! This is your go-to for easy Turkey Appetizers ! Serve them as Thanksgiving Appetizers or Holiday Appetizers .

What makes this Turkey And Cranberry treat special? It's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ready to roll? Let's dive into the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!

Right then, fancy knocking up some Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ? Course you do! These little beauties are proper Thanksgiving appetizers heaven, perfect for impressing your mates or just scoffing on the sofa.

Trust me, your leftover turkey recipes will never be the same!

Main Ingredients: The Stuff That Matters

Here’s what you’ll need to get started, measurements and all. Let's make this an easy Thanksgiving recipe !

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Any old olive oil will do.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup, 150g) , finely chopped. A decent onion is key.
Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup, 120g) , finely chopped. Crunchy goodness!
Dried Sage: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Makes it taste like proper stuffing.
Dried Thyme: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Adds a bit of warmth.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
Chicken or Turkey Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . This is what binds it all together.
Crusty Bread: 1 (12-ounce) loaf (about 8 cups, 340g) , cubed. Day-old is best. Seriously, don't use fresh.
Cooked Turkey: 1 cup (about 150g) , shredded or diced. This is how to make turkey and cranberry a match made in heaven!
Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (120g) . Juicy and sweet, the perfect foil to the turkey.
Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup (loosely packed, 60g) , chopped. Adds a fresh, herby kick.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (60g) , melted. Makes everything richer.
Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten. Helps bind the balls together.
Breadcrumbs (Optional): For coating. Panko are fantastic.
Vegetable Oil (Optional): For greasing.

The quality of your turkey matters! Look for meat that's moist and flavourful, not dry and bland. Fresh is always best, but good quality pre-cooked turkey works too.

And with these you are good to make Stuffing Bites

Seasoning Notes: A Bit of Magic

Sage and thyme are the classic stuffing combo. I sometimes chuck in a pinch of rosemary, too. For a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders.

You can sub dried herbs for fresh, just use about three times the amount of fresh. Also experiment with Cranberry stuffing variations

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy kit for this, thank goodness!

Large skillet or sauté pan. To cook the onions and celery.
Large mixing bowl. For mixing everything together.
Baking sheet. For baking the balls.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional, but saves on washing up).
Small ice cream scoop or tablespoon (for portioning - makes life easier).
Potato masher. To mash the bread mixture (you could use a fork, but a masher is quicker).

Honestly, this stuffing balls recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up. This turkey cranberry appetizer will be a hit at your next party. Happy cooking!

Get Your Thanksgiving Groove On with Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls!

Alright, let's talk Thanksgiving Appetizers . I am so excited about these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls . Honestly, they're like tiny explosions of festive flavour.

Think bite sized happiness! Forget boring old stuffing. This Stuffing Balls Recipe brings the party. What's not to love? They're great for using up Leftover Turkey Recipes , too.

I swear, even your picky eaters will gobble these up.

These little Cranberry Turkey Appetizer wonders are also an Easy Thanksgiving Recipe . I promise!

Prep Like a Pro: The Stuffing Bites Game Plan

First, let's get organised, yeah? Chopping the onion and celery is key. You'll need about 1 cup of each. I always chop my parsley ahead of time too, about 1/2 cup.

Mise en place is your friend! For safety, watch your fingers with that knife! Day-old bread is the secret weapon.

Trust me! About 8 cups cubed is what you want.

The step-by-step Breakdown

Sauté 1 cup chopped onion and 1 cup celery in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Get them nice and soft.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon sage and 1/4 teaspoon thyme. Salt and pepper to taste. Flavour central!
Pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer. Add your 8 cups of bread cubes. Mash lightly with a potato masher.
Combine 1 cup cooked turkey, 1 cup cranberries, 1/2 cup parsley, 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 beaten egg.
Mix the turkey mix into the bread mixture. Combine well. Chill for 15 minutes in the fridge.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Turkey And Cranberry Magic

Chilling the mixture is crucial. It makes rolling so much easier! Don't overmix. Overmixing can make the stuffing tough. You don't want hockey pucks, do you? Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes , until golden brown.

My secret weapon? I sometimes roll them in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch!

These Holiday Appetizers are so versatile. They're amazing with Cranberry Stuffing , of course. I even tried adding a little chopped apple once divine! You can even make these ahead of time and freeze them! I do it all the time when it comes to entertaining.

Just make sure to store and reheat these Stuffing Bites well!

Recipe Notes for Awesome Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Right then, let's talk about making these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls absolutely epic! I mean, these aren't just any old stuffing bites , they are the perfect Thanksgiving Appetizers , or even Holiday Appetizers .

Honestly, you know? These are going to be the talk of the party.

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow!

Okay, so first things first: presentation. Think small plates. Seriously, make these Cranberry Turkey Appetizer shine! Arrange about 3-4 Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls on a rustic wooden board.

Drizzle a little bit of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. Fancy, innit?

For sides, keep it simple. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. It's the perfect Easy Thanksgiving Recipe .

A nice glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or even some mulled cider would also go down a treat.

Storage Tips for Leftover Turkey Recipes

These stuffing balls recipe are best served fresh. But, if you have any leftovers, no worries!

Refrigeration: Pop them in an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months .
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave is ok in a pinch, but oven is best.

Variations for Every Taste

Want to mix it up a bit? No problem.

Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free bread. Easy peasy!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Swapping the Cranberry Stuffing for diced apples. This is a great way to change the flavours up to make a twist of this Turkey And Cranberry recipe.

Nutrition Basics

Right, let's be honest. These are treats. But let's also be more conscious!. Each ball is roughly 150-180 calories. They have about 8-10g of protein, thanks to the turkey.

There's also some fibre in there too, which is always a win! It's the best of both worlds if you ask me.

So there you have it! These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to be a hit. Remember to have fun and don't be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time? I'm a bit like Monica Geller, always planning ahead!

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply roll the balls and pop them in the oven. You can also fully bake them and reheat them gently before serving - a touch of extra butter helps!

Help! My stuffing balls are falling apart. What am I doing wrong?

This is a common problem, don't fret! Make sure you're using day-old bread, as it absorbs the moisture better and binds the mixture. Chilling the mixture before rolling is also crucial. The cold helps the ingredients stick together. Adding a little more beaten egg can also help bind everything if needed.

I'm not a huge turkey fan. Can I substitute the turkey in these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls for something else?

Definitely! Cooked and crumbled sausage (like Cumberland) is a fantastic alternative for a richer flavour. Or, for a veggie option, use cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage or some sauteed mushrooms. Just make sure the substitute ingredient is cooked and well drained before adding it to the stuffing mixture.

How do I store leftover stuffing balls, and how long will they last? I don't want to end up on "Kitchen Nightmares"!

Store leftover Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though they might lose some crispness) or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Are these stuffing balls healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While they're a delicious treat, it's worth being mindful of portion sizes. These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls do contain carbohydrates and fat. Using whole wheat bread and lean turkey will make them healthier. Plus, cranberries offer antioxidants!

See the nutritional info above for a better picture and remember to adjust for any substitutions.

Can I freeze these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls for later?

Yes, you can! Allow the baked stuffing balls to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.