Elevate your holiday gatherings with these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—a delightful fusion of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and classic stuffing flavors, all rolled into convenient, bite-sized portions. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they capture the essence of festive meals in every bite.
Why This Recipe Appeals
- Festive Flavors: Combines traditional holiday ingredients like turkey, cranberries, and stuffing into a single, flavorful bite.
- Convenient Portions: Bite-sized servings make them ideal for appetizers or portion-controlled side dishes.
- Versatile and Easy: Simple to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences, making them suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Bread Crumbs: 2 cups
- Cooked Turkey: 1 cup, shredded
- Dried Cranberries: ½ cup, chopped
- Onion: ½ cup, finely diced
- Celery: ½ cup, diced
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
- Chicken Broth: ¼ cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, diced onion, diced celery, and chopped parsley.
- Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the egg.
- Stir until the mixture is moist and holds together.
- If the mixture appears too dry, add additional chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. Form the Stuffing Balls
- Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
5. Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.
Possible Variations
- Cheesy Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Herb Substitutions: Replace thyme with sage or rosemary to alter the herbal profile.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 stuffing balls
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Allow the stuffing balls to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled stuffing balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used, but chop them finely to ensure they cook well. Keep in mind that they will add a more tart flavor than dried cranberries.
2. What can I use instead of cranberries?
Raisins or chopped dried apricots make a great substitute if you prefer a different dried fruit. You can also use fresh apple chunks for a unique twist.
3. Are these stuffing balls suitable for kids?
Yes, these stuffing balls are kid-friendly. You can make smaller, bite-sized portions for younger children.
4. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How do I prevent the stuffing balls from becoming dry?
Ensure the mixture is adequately moistened with chicken broth, and avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
6. Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
Yes, you can use store-bought stuffing mix as a substitute for bread crumbs to add extra flavor.
7. What dipping sauces pair well with these stuffing balls?
Cranberry sauce or turkey gravy are excellent accompaniments that enhance the festive flavors.
