Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Looking for a delightful way to reinvent your leftover turkey? Look no further than these delectable Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Bursting with savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and all the cozy flavors of traditional stuffing, these little bites are a must-have for your holiday table or any gathering.

The Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are not just a side dish but also a fun appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. The sweet-tart cranberries perfectly complement the savory turkey, creating a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them at a holiday potluck or a cozy family dinner, these stuffing balls are sure to be a hit.

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them with a creamy dip, add them to a holiday buffet, or even pack them in lunchboxes for a delicious meal on the go. With simple swaps and storage tips, you can enjoy these stuffing balls anytime, making them a convenient and tasty option for using up leftover turkey in a creative way.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect for using leftover turkey: Ideal for repurposing leftover turkey, reducing food waste, and creating a new dish that’s both savory and sweet.
• Versatile and adaptable: Easily customizable with ingredient swaps like using rotisserie chicken, golden raisins, or different types of bread to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Convenient and make-ahead: Can be prepared ahead of time, frozen, and baked straight from frozen, making them a stress-free and impressive dish for entertaining or quick meals.
• Delicious and crowd-pleasing: Receives rave reviews from guests, family members, and even picky eaters, making them a popular choice for holiday gatherings or everyday enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites Recipe

• Perfect way to use up leftover turkey in a creative and delicious manner
• Savory turkey paired with sweet-tart cranberries creates a flavorful burst in every bite
• Versatile dish that can be served as a fun appetizer or a hearty side for holiday meals or cozy gatherings
• Easy to make ahead and reheat, making it a stress-free entertaining option
• Can be customized with various ingredient swaps such as using rotisserie chicken, golden raisins, cornbread pieces, or chopped walnuts
• A festive dish that impresses guests and disappears quickly from the table
• Can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great option for lunchboxes or buffet spreads
• The bite-sized shape adds a fun twist to traditional stuffing, inspired by Italian arancini
• Offers a great balance of classic holiday flavors in a convenient and portable form
• Options for adding autumn vibes with sage, chopped apples, sweet potato, or butternut squash for added flavor

Ingredients for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups dry bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Pro Tips for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Pro Tip 1: For a quicker option, use store-bought dry bread crumbs or leftover stuffing for added flavor. Make sure to moisten slightly with chicken broth to prevent the balls from becoming too dry during baking.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. A dash of poultry seasoning or a sprinkle of dried sage can elevate the flavors. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to make it your own.

Pro Tip 3: To ensure the stuffing balls hold their shape and texture, refrigerate the mixture before forming into balls. This step helps the ingredients come together and makes it easier to shape them. Additionally, freezing the balls before baking allows for easy preparation ahead of time, making them a convenient option for entertaining.

How to Make Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Step 1: Prepare for baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

Combine bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Season and moisten mixture

Combine dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and add an egg. Stir well until evenly moistened. If too dry, add more broth as needed.

Step 4: Shape stuffing balls

Shape the mixture into compact balls using about 2 tablespoons per serving, then place them on the baking sheet with some space between each ball.

Step 5: Bake stuffing balls

Bake the stuffing balls on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Take out of the oven and let it cool a bit before serving warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on a baking sheet at 350 degrees until warmed through. If you plan to store them for longer, freeze the balls on a tray first, then pack them into freezer bags. Thaw the frozen balls before reheating for best results.

These stuffing balls are versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. Feel free to swap turkey for rotisserie chicken, cranberries for golden raisins, or try cornbread pieces or chopped walnuts for added texture. If you want to add a twist to the dish, consider incorporating ingredients like sage, chopped apples, roasted sweet potato, or butternut squash. These modifications can enhance the flavors and make the dish even more unique and enjoyable.

Whether you serve the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a holiday buffet spread, they are sure to impress your guests. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to handle and eat, and they can be paired with various dips like cranberry sauce, herbed gravy, or a creamy ranch dip. By following these storing tips and customizing the recipe to your liking, you can enjoy these savory and sweet stuffing balls for various occasions and create a lasting impression with your culinary skills.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cooked turkey on hand, you can easily substitute it with shredded rotisserie chicken for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, if you run out of dried cranberries, golden raisins can be used as a sweet alternative in this recipe. For a different twist, consider swapping the dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots for a unique flavor combination.

To add a Southern touch to the stuffing balls, you can replace the dry bread crumbs with crumbled cornbread pieces. This substitution will bring a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish. Another option is to use chopped walnuts in place of dried cranberries for a nutty crunch in each bite. These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what ingredients you have available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, skewer these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls on toothpicks and serve them as a festive appetizer at your next holiday gathering. Pair them with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping to enhance the sweet-tart flavors. Your guests will love the convenience and delicious combination of savory turkey, cranberries, and stuffing in each bite.

Another fun idea is to plate these stuffing balls on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a balsamic reduction for a more elevated presentation. The contrast of warm, savory balls against the cool, crisp greens adds a lovely texture and flavor dimension to the dish. This can also work as a light lunch option or a starter course for a holiday dinner party.

FAQs for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Can I use leftover roast chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can easily swap in leftover roast chicken for turkey in this recipe. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken before mixing it in with the other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of dried fruit if I don’t have cranberries?

If you’re out of cranberries, golden raisins can be a good substitute in this recipe. They will add a similar sweet-tart flavor profile to the stuffing balls.

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can form the stuffing balls and refrigerate them ahead of time for convenience. Alternatively, you can bake them in advance and reheat them just before serving for a quick and stress-free appetizer or side dish.

What are some recommended dips to serve with these stuffing balls?

These stuffing balls pair well with cranberry sauce, herbed gravy, or a creamy ranch dip. The flavors complement each other and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful way to elevate your holiday meals or gatherings with a burst of sweet-tart cranberry goodness. They are not only a creative way to use up leftover turkey but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. The savory flavors paired with the hint of cranberry make these stuffing balls a standout dish that will become a family favorite in no time.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe! You can easily customize these stuffing balls with different ingredients like rotisserie chicken, golden raisins, or even chopped walnuts to suit your taste preferences. Whether served as a fun appetizer, a side dish, or as part of a holiday buffet spread, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of festive flair to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness of these flavorful stuffing balls!

Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

“Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A festive twist on classic stuffing, savory turkey, and sweet-tart cranberries in a fun, bite-sized package perfect for holiday meals.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time25 min

Total Time40 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (16 stuffing balls)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups dry bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil.
2. Combine ingredients: Combine bread crumbs, turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. Season and moisten mixture: Combine dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and add an egg. Stir well until evenly moistened. If too dry, add more broth as needed.
4. Shape stuffing balls: Shape the mixture into compact balls using about 2 tablespoons per serving, then place them on the baking sheet with some space between each ball.
5. Bake stuffing balls: Bake the stuffing balls on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
6. Serve: Take out of the oven and let it cool a bit before serving warm as a side dish or appetizer.