Looking for a clever way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls might just become your new seasonal staple. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberries. Whether you’re planning ahead for holiday appetizers or turning leftovers into something magical, this recipe offers simplicity, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Serve them warm with a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce and watch them disappear. If you’re a fan of minimal prep and maximum flavor, this one’s for you.
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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
The Perfect Way to Reinvent Holiday Leftovers
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who’s learned that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. And when it comes to leftovers, I’ve found that a little creativity goes a long way. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls were born from a fridge full of Thanksgiving extras and a husband who’s not a fan of repeat meals. I needed something quick, warm, and a little different, and these hit the mark.
Instead of tossing together another sandwich or casserole, I rolled our holiday favorites into one crispy, poppable bite. The combination of juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing, and bursts of sweet cranberry creates a savory snack that’s just unexpected enough to feel special.
We now make these even when it’s not the day after Thanksgiving.
Crowd-Pleasers You Can Make Ahead
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just prepping for a week of easy lunches, these stuffing balls work for every occasion. They’re oven-baked (or air-fried) for a golden finish without the mess of deep frying. And let’s be honest, anything bite-sized instantly becomes more fun.
Pair them with a creamy gravy dip or tart cranberry sauce and they’ll fly off the plate. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and travel easily for potlucks and family get-togethers.
If you’re already making a big batch of myThanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, you’re halfway to this recipe.
Simple, satisfying, and full of seasonal flavor, what’s not to love?
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Savory, sweet, and bite-sized, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the perfect way to transform leftovers into a festive holiday appetizer or snack.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 balls 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
2 cups prepared stuffing
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mix turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
3. Add egg, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Form into 1.5-inch balls using hands or a scoop.
5. Place on baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and firm.
7. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
Can be frozen before or after baking. Reheat at 375°F.
Substitute sausage or lentils for turkey if desired.
Great with leftover Thanksgiving ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Ingredients for the Best Stuffing Balls
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls start with just a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a role in creating their rich flavor and tender texture. The base is a combination of cooked turkey and stuffing, which provides both structure and taste. I always use homemade stuffing when I can, but store-bought works in a pinch too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked turkey (chopped or shredded): The star of the show. Use white or dark meat, both work wonderfully.
- Prepared stuffing: Helps bind everything together while adding moisture and herby flavor.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet, chewy, and the perfect contrast to savory notes.
- Egg: Holds everything together without drying the mixture.
- Broth (chicken or turkey): Adds moisture if your stuffing is on the dry side.
- Salt & pepper: Just a little to taste; stuffing is usually seasoned already.
Optional:
- Grated cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella add richness and gooey texture.
- Minced onion or celery: Great for added crunch and flavor.
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts): For a festive twist.
Substitutions & Add-Ons for Every Table
Need a dairy-free version? Skip the cheese. Going gluten-free? Use gluten-free stuffing or make your own from scratch. Want to make it vegetarian? Try swapping turkey with lentils or plant-based sausage crumbles.
For an extra-special touch, brush the balls with melted butter before baking for that irresistible golden crust. Or go big and serve them with a creamy gravy; homemade or store-bought.
We even paired ours once with Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for a holiday spread that felt both classic and new.
Flexible, flavorful, and forgiving, this ingredient list is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Simple Steps for Bite-Sized Perfection
Making cranberry turkey stuffing balls is easier than you might think. This recipe is one of those “mix, roll, and bake” dishes that looks impressive but takes minimal effort; my kind of cooking. Everything comes together in one bowl, and the oven does the rest.
Here’s how I make them:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
- Add in a beaten egg, a splash of broth (just enough to moisten), and season with salt and pepper. If you’re adding extras like cheese or chopped nuts, toss them in now.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls about 1.5 inches wide. If the mixture feels too dry to hold together, add a little more broth.
- Arrange the balls on your baking sheet with a bit of space between them.
- Brush with melted butter or lightly spray with oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.
You can also air fry them at 370°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Either method gives a crispy outside and tender, flavorful inside.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Need to prep ahead? You can form the stuffing balls the day before and refrigerate them until ready to bake. They also freeze beautifully: place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Serve with leftover gravy, a dollop of cranberry sauce, or alongside Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for a cozy, crave-worthy combo.
Tips and Flavor Variations
Pro Tips to Get It Just Right
After testing these cranberry turkey stuffing balls more times than I can count (no complaints from my husband), I’ve picked up a few helpful tips:
- Use moist stuffing: If your stuffing is dry, mix in broth before adding other ingredients. Too dry = crumbly balls.
- Chop turkey finely: This helps the mixture stick together better and creates smoother bites.
- Don’t skip the egg: It acts like glue to hold everything in shape.
- Pack them tight, but not too tight: Gently squeeze when forming, just enough so they stay together without becoming dense.
- Spray or brush before baking: A quick mist of oil or brush of melted butter gives a crispy, golden exterior that’s worth it.
For serving, I like to offer both gravy and cranberry sauce on the side. Trust me, people love choosing their dip. And leftovers? Pop a couple in your kid’s lunchbox or reheat for a quick snack. They hold up beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Tasty Twists to Try
This recipe is super flexible. Here are a few variations that have worked wonders in our kitchen:
- Add cooked bacon for a smoky, salty upgrade.
- Swap turkey for sausage or shredded chicken, or go meatless with mushrooms or lentils.
- Stuff each ball with a cube of brie for a surprise cheesy center (inspired by my Baked Cranberry Brie Bites).
- Coat in crushed pecans or seasoned breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
- Mix in orange zest or a spoonful of chopped rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with a seasonal side like Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Bake or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
However you spin them, these stuffing balls are endlessly adaptable, and always delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze cranberry turkey stuffing balls?
Absolutely! These freeze beautifully. Place the uncooked or cooked stuffing balls on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake frozen ones at 375°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through. They’re a great make-ahead option for the holidays.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in stuffing balls?
If your stuffing is too soft or wet to hold shape, you can mix in crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even almond flour as a binder. However, most traditional stuffing already has bread, so extra crumbs aren’t always necessary.
How do you keep stuffing balls from falling apart?
The key is moisture balance and binding. Make sure the mixture isn’t too dry, chop the turkey small, and use at least one beaten egg to help hold things together. Gently press them into firm balls, don’t over-handle.
Can I make stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully form the balls and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Great for meal prep or party planning!
Final Note
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are everything I love about the holidays; flavorful, comforting, and made with heart. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or planning a festive appetizer, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast and gets requested often, right up there with our Yellow Squash Casserole with Cheese.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
