Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey and stuffing into a tasty snack or appetizer. These little bites are packed with flavor and have a lovely balance of savory and sweet from the turkey and cranberry sauce. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering, making them a perfect addition to your holiday table or a simple weeknight meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Using leftover turkey can save you time and reduce food waste. This recipe allows you to create something new and exciting from traditional ingredients like turkey and stuffing. Plus, these stuffing balls are easy to make, fun to eat, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (if needed)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, celery, onion, thyme, salt, pepper, eggs, and parsley.
- Mix well until combined. If the mixture is too dry, add chicken broth as needed.
- Scoop a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer. You can also pair them with a dipping sauce like gravy, ranch dressing, or even a sweet sauce to complement the cranberry flavor. They are wonderful for holiday celebrations, game days, or just casual get-togethers.
How to Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
To store leftover stuffing balls, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- For extra flavor, feel free to add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture.
- If you want a crispier texture, roll the balls in breadcrumbs before baking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even some herbs like rosemary or sage.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using different proteins, such as chicken or beef. You can also replace cranberry sauce with different flavors of sauce, like BBQ or sweet and sour sauce, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. Just roll them into balls and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
Absolutely! Store-bought stuffing mix works great and can save you some time.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the stuffing balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey and stuffing into flavorful snacks or appetizers, perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, celery, onion, thyme, salt, pepper, eggs, and parsley.
- Mix well until combined. If the mixture is too dry, add chicken broth as needed.
- Scoop a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits. Rolling the balls in breadcrumbs before baking can give a crispier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
