New Christmas Recipes: Turkey & Cranberry Stuffing Bites

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are the ultimate bite-sized holiday appetizer or side — everything you love about a classic Thanksgiving plate rolled into one tender, golden, flavorful ball. Made with ground turkey, leftover stuffing, dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, these savory morsels are easy to prep, easy to serve, and always a hit.

They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a creative way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers. Serve them with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping and watch them disappear from the table.

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Ingredients Overview

This recipe blends familiar holiday ingredients into a new and irresistible form. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Turkey

• Lean, mild, and protein-packed. Its neutral flavor takes on the seasoning beautifully.

• Use 93% lean for moisture; too lean can dry out.

Stuffing (Cooked or Leftover)

• The base that holds it all together. Classic herb stuffing or cornbread stuffing works great.

• Use either homemade or store-bought leftovers.

Dried Cranberries

• Add a touch of sweetness and chew to contrast the savory turkey.

• Chop coarsely if the pieces are large.

Egg

• Helps bind everything together and hold shape during baking.

Onion & Garlic (Optional)

• Finely minced and sautéed for added flavor. You can skip this step if using a flavorful stuffing.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Sage, or Thyme)

• These give a homemade, aromatic touch and boost the holiday flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper

• Essential for balancing and seasoning, especially if the stuffing is bland or unsalted.

Optional Add-ins:

• Grated Parmesan: For a savory, cheesy twist.

• Leftover gravy: Adds moisture to dry stuffing.

• Chopped celery: For crunch and freshness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional)

In a small pan, sauté 1 tablespoon oil with ½ cup finely chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove for 3–4 minutes until soft. Let cool.

3. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2½ cups cooked stuffing

• ½ cup chopped dried cranberries

• 1 egg, beaten

• Sautéed onions and garlic (if using)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or other herbs

• Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp each)

Mix gently with clean hands or a fork until just combined. Don’t overmix or it may become dense.

4. Form into Balls

Scoop about 2 tablespoons per ball and roll gently into 1½-inch rounds. You should get around 18–22 balls.

Place evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispier top.

6. Serve

Serve warm with:

• Gravy

• Cranberry sauce

• Maple Dijon glaze

• Or as part of a holiday appetizer board

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Make ahead: Mix and shape the balls up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

• Freeze friendly: Freeze cooked or uncooked balls on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight before reheating.

• Add cheese: A cube of mozzarella or white cheddar inside each ball makes a gooey surprise.

• Glaze idea: Brush with a mixture of cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard during the last 5 minutes for a sweet-tangy coating.

• Use rotisserie chicken: If you don’t have ground turkey, chopped cooked chicken works too.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These stuffing balls shine at:

• Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinners

• Christmas Eve or Day

• Holiday potlucks and buffets

• Game day spreads (seasonal twist!)

• Kids’ parties – easy to pick up and dip

Serve alongside:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Mashed potatoes

• Cranberry chutney

• A festive cocktail or sparkling cider

They also make a fun addition to a holiday-themed charcuterie or appetizer board.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These holiday bites offer:

• Protein from turkey

• Whole grains from stuffing (especially if homemade with whole wheat bread)

• Natural sweetness from cranberries

For lighter variations:

• Use reduced-sodium stuffing and broth

• Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to stretch the mixture

• Bake on a rack to allow fat to drip away

They are naturally nut-free and can be adapted to be gluten-free with GF stuffing mix.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make these with leftover stuffing and cooked turkey?

A1: Yes! Chop or shred cooked turkey finely and mix with stuffing, egg, and cranberries. You may need extra moisture like broth or gravy to bind them.

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Q2: How do I prevent them from falling apart?

A2: Make sure the stuffing isn’t too dry and that you include the egg to bind. Let the mixture chill for 20 minutes if it feels loose.

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Q3: Can I fry them instead of baking?

A3: Yes. Shallow fry in a skillet with a bit of oil until golden and heated through. They’ll be crispier but require more attention.

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Q4: How do I reheat them?

A4: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts but they may lose crispness.

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Q5: Can I serve these cold?

A5: While they’re best warm, they can be served room temperature — especially with a flavorful dipping sauce.

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Q6: Can I make these dairy-free?

A6: Yes — just skip any cheese and ensure your stuffing and gravy are dairy-free.

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Q7: What dipping sauces work well?

A7: Gravy, cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even a creamy Dijon yogurt dip work beautifully. Offer a variety for guests to choose from.

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