Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for the holiday season? Look no further than these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, these tasty bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of ground turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and herbs creates a mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have these stuffing balls ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These stuffing balls can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground turkey (–% lean): Provides a lean protein base for the stuffing balls.
- Prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled): Adds texture and flavor to the dish.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Dried cranberries (or chopped fresh): Infuse a hint of sweetness and tartness.
- Chopped parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder: Enhance the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy richness to the stuffing balls.
- Optional for serving: Turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until well combined and form the mixture into small balls.
- Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until cooked through.
- Serve hot with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based meat.
- Make a double batch and freeze the extra stuffing balls for later use.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mixture of white and dark meat for a more flavorful stuffing ball.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to form the balls.
- Brush the stuffing balls with melted butter before baking for a golden and crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a glass of red wine for a complete holiday meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey? Yes, shredded cooked turkey works well in this recipe.
- Can I omit the cranberries? Feel free to leave out the cranberries or substitute them with raisins or chopped nuts.
- Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and bake the stuffing balls when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Try out these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, these stuffing balls are sure to impress. Enjoy and happy cooking!
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Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Festive Holiday Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: Approximately 20 stuffing balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistible Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive holiday favorite that combines the flavors of juicy turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberries in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85–93% lean)
- 1½ cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or chopped fresh)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional for serving: turkey gravy or extra cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, egg, cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form balls: Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with turkey gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning by adding more herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of stuffing for a unique twist on this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg