Festive Cranberry Turkey & Stuffing Delight Balls

Introduction

When it comes to festive gatherings, the food we serve sets the mood for the entire occasion. Whether it’s a warm holiday party or a cozy family dinner, a dish that combines classic holiday flavors is a must-have. Enter Cranberry Turkey & Stuffing Delight Balls, a mouthwatering appetizer or main course that captures the essence of Thanksgiving and Christmas in one bite. These delectable bites are not only packed with savory turkey and stuffing but are also beautifully balanced by the sweet tartness of cranberries. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.

Ingredients List

To make these festive balls, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

For the Stuffing Balls:

• 4 cups bread cubes, lightly toasted
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 large egg, beaten

For the Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan (if making cranberry sauce from scratch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Food processor (optional, for finely chopping turkey)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, onion, celery, dried cranberries, turkey, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Gradually add the broth and beaten egg, mixing until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
• Shape the mixture into 12-15 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
• If making the sauce, heat the cranberry sauce and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Serve alongside or drizzled over the stuffing balls.

Why Cranberry, Turkey, and Stuffing Work Together

This trio is the holy grail of holiday flavors. The turkey offers a hearty, savory base, stuffing adds seasoned richness, and cranberries provide a sweet-tart contrast that cuts through the richness. Together, they create a harmonious balance that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Turkey & Stuffing Balls

• Moisture Matters: If your mixture is too dry, the balls will crumble. Use broth or cranberry sauce for extra moisture.
• Even Cooking: Make sure all the balls are the same size for consistent cooking.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust the seasoning before cooking a test ball.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Cheesy Goodness: Add grated cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for gooey, cheesy centers.
2. Vegan Version: Substitute turkey with mashed chickpeas or lentils and use vegan stuffing and egg replacer.
3. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and stuffing to accommodate dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

• Dips: Serve with cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or aioli for dipping.
• Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
• Presentation: Arrange on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary for a holiday vibe.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Dry Texture: Add moisture with cranberry sauce or broth if your mixture feels crumbly.
• Overcrowding: Space out the balls on the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Underseasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the balls and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~150 per ball (depending on size and ingredients)
• Protein: High from turkey
• Fiber: Moderate from cranberries and stuffing

Conclusion

These Festive Cranberry Turkey & Stuffing Delight Balls are a holiday hero, combining all the classic flavors of the season into bite-sized perfection. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious, they’re a must-try for your next celebration.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought stuffing?
   Absolutely! Pre-made stuffing saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
2. What’s the best type of turkey for this recipe?
   Leftover roasted turkey is ideal, but ground turkey works in a pinch.
3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
   Yes, shape the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. How can I make these gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and stuffing for a seamless substitution.
5. What dips pair well with these balls?
   Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or honey mustard are excellent choices.

Festive Cranberry Turkey & Stuffing Delight Balls

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Category Appetizer

Cuisine Turkey

Servings 12 balls

Calories 120 kcal

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Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive twist on classic holiday stuffing. Combining the comforting flavors of seasoned bread, savory turkey, and sweet-tart cranberries, these little bites are a perfect addition to your holiday menu.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also versatile enough to serve as appetizers, side dishes, or even as a creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Whether you drizzle them with cranberry sauce or enjoy them as-is, these stuffing balls are sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite!

Ingredients

  

For the Stuffing Balls

• 4 cups bread cubes lightly toasted
• 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey shredded or finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 large egg beaten

For the Sauce (Optional)

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, onion, celery, dried cranberries, turkey, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the broth and beaten egg, mixing until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
4. Shape the mixture into 12-15 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. If making the sauce, heat the cranberry sauce and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Serve alongside or drizzled over the stuffing balls.

Notes

120 kal per ball