Introduction
There’s something magical about holiday meals – the way families gather around a table brimming with delicious dishes, the laughter and stories shared, and, of course, the endless leftovers. But after a few days of reheating the same turkey slices and stuffing, you might find yourself craving something a little more exciting. That’s where Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come in!
This recipe is a fantastic way to reinvent your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers into something new and irresistible. These savory stuffing balls, infused with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, bring together all the best elements of a holiday meal in one delightful bite. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re versatile and easy to make, whether you’re working with leftover turkey or cooking everything fresh.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through not only how to make these tasty treats but also share tips, tricks, and variations to suit any dietary preferences or occasions. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, an appetizer for a holiday party, or simply want to make use of leftovers in a creative way, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect dish.
If you’re interested in more creative ways to use leftovers, check out how leftovers can be transformed into delectable snacks.
Why Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Let’s be honest: leftovers can get boring fast. While the traditional holiday spread is comforting and delicious, after a day or two, most of us are ready for something new. But throwing out perfectly good food isn’t an option either – especially when that food is turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. That’s where this recipe shines.
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making these stuffing balls:
- A Fun Way to Use Leftovers: If you’re tired of reheating turkey sandwiches or scooping leftover stuffing onto your plate, this recipe is a creative and fun way to repurpose those ingredients into something fresh and flavorful. Tired of plain reheated turkey and stuffing? This recipe offers a fresh way to enjoy those leftovers, much like how you can reinvent chicken leftovers into Chicken Philly Sandwiches.
- Crowd-Pleasers: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side dish, these stuffing balls are always a hit. They’re easy to grab and eat, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce creates a burst of flavors in every bite. Add a crispy exterior and a tender interior, and you’ve got yourself a winning dish.
- Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Add cheese for extra indulgence, use a different protein if you’re out of turkey, or make them vegetarian by leaving out the meat altogether.Learn more about cooking with leftovers here.
- Freezer-Friendly: One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them. Whenever you need a quick snack or side dish, just pop them in the oven and you’re good to go.
Now, let’s dive into how to make these delicious cranberry turkey stuffing balls.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or finely chopped. This is the star of the dish, bringing a hearty, meaty flavor. If you don’t have turkey, you can easily substitute cooked chicken or even ham. If you’re vegetarian, try using a meat substitute like tofu or lentils.
- 2 cups stuffing: Leftover or freshly made. Stuffing adds texture and seasoning to the balls. If you don’t have leftover stuffing, you can use pre-packaged stuffing mix or make your own with breadcrumbs, onions, celery, and herbs like sage and thyme. Click here for a homemade stuffing recipe.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: This adds a sweet, tart contrast to the savory flavors. You can use canned cranberry sauce or homemade if you have it. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute with another type of fruit compote or jam, like apricot or orange marmalade.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): For those who love a cheesy twist, adding cheese makes these stuffing balls even more indulgent. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- 1/2 cup gravy (optional): Adding gravy helps to keep the stuffing balls moist, especially if your stuffing is a little dry. You can skip this if your stuffing is already moist, or you can use a splash of broth instead.
- 2 eggs: Eggs help bind everything together so that the stuffing balls hold their shape. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: If the mixture is too wet, breadcrumbs will help absorb some of the moisture and add a bit more structure. You can use regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your dietary needs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of color.
Optional Ingredients:
- Nuts: Want to add some crunch? Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Bacon: If you want to up the indulgence factor, try adding bits of crispy bacon to the mixture.
- Vegetables: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cheese (if using), and eggs. Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, add breadcrumbs a little at a time until the texture is easier to handle. If it’s too dry, add a splash of gravy or broth.
The key here is to create a mixture that holds its shape when formed into balls but isn’t too dense.
3. Form the Balls
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. They should be about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. This recipe should make about 20-25 stuffing balls, depending on the size.
Tip: If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, lightly dampen your palms with water before rolling the balls.
4. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. The exterior should be slightly crispy while the inside remains tender.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve them warm with extra cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the stuffing balls on a platter with small bowls of cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. They’re perfect for holiday parties or potlucks, as guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them without the need for utensils.
- As a Side Dish: Serve the stuffing balls alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with classic holiday sides.
- On a Sandwich: Want to take your leftover sandwich game to the next level? Stuff these stuffing balls into a warm roll with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a drizzle of gravy for an epic holiday sandwich.
- As a Snack: These make a great savory snack on their own. Pop a few in the microwave or reheat them in the oven whenever you need a quick bite.
- Serve these at a holiday party alongside Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stuffing Balls
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, try not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing balls dense. You want the mixture to hold together but remain light and fluffy.
- Add Moisture Gradually: Depending on the dryness of your leftover stuffing and turkey, you may need to adjust the moisture levels. Start with a small amount of gravy or broth, and add more as needed. You don’t want the mixture to be soggy, but it should be moist enough to form into balls.
- Freezing Instructions: These stuffing balls freeze beautifully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing these for a party or gathering, you can assemble the stuffing balls a day ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative with it. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and use a plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Swap the traditional stuffing for a vegetarian version, and use vegetable broth instead of gravy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and breadcrumbs to make these stuffing balls gluten-free.
- Different Meats: If you’re out of turkey, you can easily substitute cooked chicken, ham, or even pork.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: For an extra cheesy version, add more shredded cheese to the mixture and sprinkle some on top of the stuffing balls before baking.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate solution for turning holiday leftovers into something fresh, fun, and flavorful. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, these bite-sized balls of goodness are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
So the next time you’re staring at a fridge full of leftovers, don’t settle for the same old turkey sandwich – give these cranberry turkey stuffing balls a try. They’ll bring a little extra holiday cheer to your table, even after the big feast is over!
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy holidays!
