Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – A Holiday Favorite in Every Bite

If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic holiday flavors, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer. Tender ground turkey, tart cranberries, and savory stuffing are rolled together into bite-sized balls that bake up golden and delicious. They’re like a little taste of Thanksgiving in every bite!

Serve them as a party appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course with gravy and mashed potatoes. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and freeze beautifully, making them a stress-free addition to your holiday table.

🦃 Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 cups prepared stuffing (boxed or homemade, cooled)

• ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh chopped cranberries)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried sage (or poultry seasoning)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   • Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, cranberries, cheese (if using), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.

3. Shape the Balls

   • Roll mixture into golf ball–sized portions and place on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Brush tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish.

4. Bake

   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden and the turkey is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).

5. Serve

   • Serve warm as an appetizer with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping, or as part of a full holiday meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix — this keeps the stuffing balls tender.

• If your stuffing is very dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth before rolling.

• Use fresh cranberries if you prefer a tangier bite.

• Make them ahead and freeze unbaked; just thaw and bake when ready to serve.

Variations

• Cheesy Center: Tuck a cube of mozzarella or brie inside each ball before baking.

• Herb Lovers: Add fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor.

• Glazed Option: Brush with a mix of cranberry sauce and balsamic glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Mini Meatballs: Roll smaller for party appetizers and serve on toothpicks.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Balls

✔️ Perfect blend of savory and sweet
✔️ Great for holiday entertaining or weeknight meals
✔️ Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
✔️ Customizable with your favorite holiday flavors