Imagine popping a perfectly bite-sized sphere of Thanksgiving goodness into your mouth: savory turkey, herby stuffing, and tart cranberries all harmonizing in one delicious bite! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer and a genius way to reinvent your leftovers into something truly special, guaranteeing rave reviews from everyone at your table.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 4 cups cooked stuffing (any kind will do, but I love a sage and onion variety!)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely diced
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Saucee, homemade or store-bought
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy Dip (Optional):
- 1 cup leftover gravy (turkey or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory flavor
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Let’s Get Rolling: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- First, make sure your cooked stuffing and turkey are ready to go. Shred or dice the turkey into small pieces so it blends well.
- If you’re making your own Cranberry Saucee, now’s the time! Otherwise, grab your favorite store-bought version.
- Chop the fresh parsley and set it aside.
Step 2: Combine the Goodness
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, parsley, melted butter, and beaten egg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! A good amount of seasoning will really bring out the flavors.
- If you’re adding any optional ingredients like nuts or bacon, toss them in now.
Step 3: Roll, Roll, Roll!
- This is where the fun begins! Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Don’t pack them too tightly, or they might be a little dry.
- Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the stuffing balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them – you want them warm and delicious, not dried out!
Step 5: Whip Up the Gravy Dip (Optional)
- While the stuffing balls are baking, prepare the gravy dip. Simply heat up the leftover gravy in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if the gravy is too thick.
- Once heated through, pour the gravy into a small serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve them warm with the gravy dip (if using) for a truly irresistible holiday appetizer.
- Watch them disappear – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Troubleshooting Tips: Avoiding Stuffing Ball Fails
Dry Stuffing Balls?
Nobody wants dry, crumbly stuffing balls! If your mixture seems dry before rolling, add a tablespoon or two of chicken or turkey broth to moisten it up. The egg also helps bind everything together, so make sure you don’t skip it!
Stuffing Balls Falling Apart?
If your stuffing balls are falling apart, the mixture might not be binding well enough. Try adding another beaten egg or a tablespoon of flour to help hold them together.
Cranberry Sauce Too Tart?
If you find the cranberry sauce is making the stuffing balls too tart, you can balance it out with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. A little sweetness goes a long way!
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Appetizer Game
Presentation is Key
Arrange the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls artfully on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. A pop of green adds a festive touch.
Dipping Sauces Galore
While gravy is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other dipping sauces! Honey mustard, cranberry aioli, or even a simple sour cream dip would be delicious.
Make it a Meal
These stuffing balls aren’t just for appetizers! Serve them alongside a salad or roasted vegetables for a light and satisfying meal, especially when looking for creative leftover recipes after Thanksgiving.
Creative Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!
Spicy Stuffing Balls
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick. You could also use jalapeno-flavored cranberry sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Cheesy Stuffing Balls
Stir in some shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven and add a delicious richness.
Vegetarian Stuffing Balls
Omit the turkey and add cooked lentils, mushrooms, or chopped vegetables like carrots and celery for a vegetarian version. Be sure to use vegetable broth to moisten the mixture if needed.
Holiday Appetizers: Beyond the Stuffing Ball
While these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the star of the show, don’t forget about other holiday appetizers! Consider serving them alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, a festive dip like spinach and artichoke, or some crispy Green Bean Casserole bites. Variety is the spice of life!
Leftover Recipes: Making the Most of Thanksgiving
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the abundance of leftovers! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are just one way to use up your leftover turkey and stuffing. You can also make turkey pot pie, turkey sandwiches, or turkey noodle soup. Don’t let those delicious ingredients go to waste!
Finger Food Fun: Perfect for Parties
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect finger food for any gathering. They’re easy to eat, packed with flavor, and always a hit with guests. Plus, they’re a great way to add a festive touch to your party menu. Imagine serving these along with Parmesan Turkey Meatballs for a truly turkey-centric spread!
Make-Ahead Tips: Stress-Free Entertaining
Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare the stuffing ball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll them into balls and bake them right before serving. You can also bake the stuffing balls ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve. They’re still delicious reheated!
Storage Instructions: Keeping Them Fresh
Store any leftover Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or even in a skillet until warmed through.
So there you have it! Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – a delicious, easy, and festive appetizer that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re using up leftovers or just looking for a unique holiday treat, these little bites of Thanksgiving are guaranteed to be a hit. Happy cooking, my friend!
What can I do if my stuffing ball mixture is too dry?
If your stuffing ball mixture seems dry before rolling, add a tablespoon or two of chicken or turkey broth to moisten it up. The egg also helps bind everything together, so make sure you don’t skip it!
What can I do if my stuffing balls are falling apart?
If your stuffing balls are falling apart, the mixture might not be binding well enough. Try adding another beaten egg or a tablespoon of flour to help hold them together.
Besides gravy, what other dipping sauces can I serve with these stuffing balls?
While gravy is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other dipping sauces! Honey mustard, cranberry aioli, or even a simple sour cream dip would be delicious.
Can I make the stuffing balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll them into balls and bake them right before serving. You can also bake the stuffing balls ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Amazing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked stuffing, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, parsley, melted butter, and beaten egg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If adding optional ingredients like nuts or bacon, mix them in now.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and lightly golden brown.
- While the stuffing balls are baking (if making gravy dip), heat the leftover gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- Once heated through, pour the gravy into a small serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives.
- Remove the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with the gravy dip (if using).
