Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of festive gatherings and cozy family dinners. This dish combines the savory richness of ground turkey with the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries, making each bite a joy to savor. The aroma wafting through your kitchen while they bake will make your mouth water in anticipation. You’ll love how these bite-sized treats bring warmth and comfort to your table, making them a perfect addition to any holiday feast or casual family meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, allowing you to understand the step-by-step process for a delightful culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best reasons to embrace this recipe is its easy prep time, making it a go-to for busy weekdays or festive gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s family-friendly and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick dish to whip up or planning to follow a traditional recipe, these stuffing balls can be made conveniently. They also contain minimal ingredients, ensuring you don’t have to make an extensive grocery list, making this dish both economical and accessible for everyone.

Ingredients for Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 cups dried bread cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a dish bursting with textures and flavors. The crunchy bread cubes meld with the moist turkey and the sweet cranberries, all held together by a buttery, herb-infused binding.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Let the ingredients mingle for a fragrant blend.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will become the heart of your stuffing balls.
4. Combine the turkey mixture with the bread mixture carefully, ensuring that each ingredient is well incorporated for even flavor distribution.
5. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step helps to keep them from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (74 degrees C). This step is crucial for both safety and achieving that perfect texture.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Their golden exterior and savory aroma will make them irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls, consider adding a dash of your favorite spices such as smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You can also experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or apples for a different flavor experience. If you’re looking for a herbaceous kick, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or rosemary after baking can add a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These stuffing balls are versatile and can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or even as part of a main course. Pair them with a tangy cranberry sauce for dipping, or accompany them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They also make an excellent addition to a charcuterie board, bringing a lovely balance to meats and cheeses.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a wholesome mix of protein from the turkey and fiber from the bread and cranberries. With approximately 150 calories per serving, these stuffing balls are a delightful indulgence that won’t break your dietary intentions.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

If you have leftovers, these stuffing balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for best results, ensuring they regain their crispiness. For an exciting twist, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for an added crunch or substituting ground turkey with lean chicken or a plant-based protein for alternative diets.

Conclusion for Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Don’t wait to try these delightful Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls! Their delicious combination of flavors is sure to impress your family and friends, making your meals memorable. With their simple preparation and delicious outcome, they’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake shortly before serving.

2. What can I substitute for ground turkey?
   Lean ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat can be fantastic alternatives.

3. Are these stuffing balls gluten-free?
   To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes of your choice.

4. Can I freeze the stuffing balls?
   Absolutely! You can freeze them both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer them to a ziplock bag.

5. What do I serve with these stuffing balls?
   They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, or are perfect as a standalone appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

A delightful blend of ground turkey and dried cranberries, these stuffing balls are a festive addition to any meal, offering rich flavors in a simple, bite-sized form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the stuffing balls

• 1 pound ground turkey Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
• 4 cups dried bread cubes Choose your favorite type of bread for extra flavor.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries Adds a sweet-tart flavor.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery Provides a nice crunch.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion Enhances the flavor of the stuffing balls.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth For moisture and flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 large egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion.
• In a separate bowl, mix the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Combine the turkey mixture with the bread mixture, ensuring that each ingredient is well incorporated.
• Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or experimenting with other dried fruits and herbs.

Keyword Cranberry Stuffing Balls, Easy Recipes, Family Meals, Holiday Recipes, Turkey Appetizers