Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Holiday Crowd-Pleaser You’ll Make All Year

Crafting these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls feels like welcoming the holidays into your kitchen. They are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and carry all the comforting flavours of a traditional turkey dinner in one delightful bite. The blend of savoury turkey, herb stuffing, and tart cranberries creates a balance that works beautifully on any festive table. I have even tried preparing them ahead of time and reheating with a light brush of melted butter, and they still turned out exceptional. These versatile stuffing balls serve wonderfully as appetizers, side dishes, or potluck favourites and offer the added benefit of being easy to assemble. Whether you are hosting a holiday party or looking for a creative way to use leftover turkey, these stuffing balls are a practical, flavourful, and impressive solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These stuffing balls bring together convenience, flavour, and versatility. They are quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and suitable for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. The cranberries add a delightful burst of tartness that brightens the dish without overpowering the savoury profile of the turkey and herbs.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For this recipe, we combine familiar holiday staples to build rich layers of texture and flavour. Each ingredient plays a specific role in achieving the perfect stuffing ball — tender, moist, well-seasoned, and aromatic.

Ground turkey adds lean protein and gives body to the stuffing balls. It absorbs flavours easily, making every bite savoury and satisfying.
Dried cranberries introduce a bright, tart sweetness that cuts through the richness and creates a festive balance.
Herb stuffing mix provides structure and aromatic depth. Its built-in seasoning of sage, thyme, and rosemary infuses classic holiday flavours.
Chicken broth helps hydrate the stuffing mix, ensuring the final texture is moist but firm enough to shape.
Eggs act as a binder, holding the mixture together while contributing to a tender interior.
Onion offers a savoury base note and moisture, enriching the flavour without overwhelming it.
Celery brings subtle freshness and crunch, enhancing both texture and aroma.
Butter adds richness and helps the stuffing bake to a beautiful golden finish.
Salt and black pepper sharpen and balance the overall flavour profile.
Fresh parsley adds colour and a clean, herbal finish that lifts the final dish.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure even baking throughout. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the herb stuffing mix with warmed chicken broth, allowing it to soften for a few minutes. This step ensures that the final mixture remains moist without becoming heavy. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and celery in melted butter until softened and aromatic. Once cooled slightly, transfer them into the bowl with the stuffing mixture. Add the ground turkey, dried cranberries, eggs, parsley, and seasoning. Mix gently using your hands or a sturdy spoon, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed without compacting the mixture too densely.

Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, approximately the size of a golf ball, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the exterior is lightly golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you prefer a bit more colour, you may broil them for the last minute, monitoring closely. Allow them to rest briefly before serving so they hold their shape and develop full flavour.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 18 stuffing balls and serves 6 people. Preparation typically takes 20 minutes, and baking requires an additional 20–25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the stuffing balls in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Stuffing Balls
Fold shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the mixture for a richer, creamier bite.

Sausage and Turkey Blend
Replace half the turkey with mild sausage for a heartier, more savoury profile.

Apple-Infused Stuffing Balls
Add finely diced apples to introduce freshness and gentle sweetness.

Spiced Holiday Version
Incorporate nutmeg, allspice, or a hint of cinnamon for a warm seasonal aroma.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free stuffing mix without altering the overall method.

Cranberry-Orange Twist
Add orange zest to complement the cranberries with a bright citrus touch.

Savory Mushroom Addition
Fold in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich variation.

Heat Lovers’ Version
Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for subtle heat.

Herb-Forward Variation
Increase fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, or thyme for a more aromatic finish.

Leftover Turkey Version
Use finely chopped cooked turkey instead of ground turkey for a quicker, pre-cooked alternative.

FAQs

Can I prepare these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate or freeze before baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but chop them finely and reduce other moisture slightly.

How do I prevent the mixture from becoming too wet?

Add broth gradually and stop when the stuffing is moistened but still holds shape.

Can I air-fry the stuffing balls?

Yes, air-fry at 360°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

What can I use instead of herb stuffing mix?

Use day-old bread seasoned with dried herbs and salt.

Can I make them larger?

Yes, adjust baking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Are these suitable for children?

Yes, the flavours are mild and approachable.

Can I use leftover stuffing instead?

You can, but reduce added broth and adjust binding as needed.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture has enough egg and is not overly wet.

Can I serve them with a dipping sauce?

Absolutely; gravy, cranberry sauce, or aioli pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a charming addition to any holiday menu, blending tradition with convenience in a single, flavour-packed bite. Their adaptability, ease of preparation, and balanced taste make them a dependable favourite well beyond the festive season. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or creative use of leftovers, these stuffing balls offer warmth, comfort, and a touch of celebration every time they are prepared.

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