If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday appetizer or a fun way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are exactly what you need. Packed with tender turkey, savory stuffing, sweet dried cranberries, and melty cheese, they deliver all the flavors of a festive dinner in one perfectly bite-sized package. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup takes them over the top, creating that irresistible balance of sweet and savory.
These stuffing balls aren’t just for the holidays—they’re a fantastic comfort food option anytime you want something hearty, cheesy, and kid-friendly. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a make-ahead snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavor.
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Perfect for parties: These bite-sized stuffing balls are easy to serve and eat.
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Great use of leftovers: Reinvent leftover turkey and stuffing into something exciting.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
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Customizable: Swap cheeses, herbs, or sweeteners for endless flavor combinations.
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Crowd-pleasing: The balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberries always gets compliments.
Ingredient Breakdown
Cooked Turkey: Provides hearty, protein-rich flavor and helps bind the stuffing balls.
Stuffing: Adds seasoned bread texture and holiday spice, tying everything together.
Dried Cranberries: Bring a sweet, tart contrast to balance savory flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, classic holiday seasoning.
Garlic Powder: Boosts savory flavor without overpowering.
Black Pepper: Gives mild heat and depth.
Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the mixture together.
Chicken or Turkey Broth: Keeps the stuffing balls moist and tender.
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Adds creaminess and cheesy richness.
Melted Butter: Brushed on top for a golden, crisp finish.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness for balance and festive flair.
Pro Tips
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Chill the mixture before shaping: Refrigerating for 20 minutes makes the mixture easier to roll into neat balls.
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Use a cookie scoop: Ensures uniform size so they bake evenly.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid drying out.
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Add extra cheese inside: Tuck a small cube of mozzarella into the center for a gooey surprise.
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Brush generously with butter: Helps them achieve a golden, appetizing crust.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Cheese variations: Try gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
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Fruit swaps: Use dried cherries, apricots, or even chopped apples instead of cranberries.
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Herb variations: Add rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
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Protein switch: Replace turkey with shredded chicken, ham, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles.
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Glaze upgrades: Swap honey or maple syrup with a balsamic reduction for a gourmet finish.
Serving Suggestions
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Arrange on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary for a holiday touch.
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Serve alongside cranberry sauce or a honey mustard dip for extra flavor.
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Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a comforting main course.
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Add to a grazing board with cheeses, nuts, and crackers for party food that stands out.
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Plate individually as an appetizer course with a drizzle of glaze for elegant dinners.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Prepare and shape the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Freezing option: Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the outside crisp. For quicker reheating, use an air fryer to restore crunch without drying out.
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Sauce prep: Mix dipping sauces or glazes a day in advance to save time during entertaining.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Stuffing, also known as dressing in some regions, has long been a staple of American holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic combination of turkey and stuffing but transforms it into an easy appetizer idea with a modern twist. Adding dried cranberries and honey gives the dish a sweet-savory balance often found in festive comfort food recipes. These stuffing balls are a creative nod to tradition while offering convenience for today’s busy kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, simply leave out the cheese for a lighter version, though the stuffing balls may be slightly less creamy.
2. What kind of stuffing works best?
Any type works—boxed stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or homemade. Just make sure it isn’t too wet, or the balls may not hold together.
3. Can I air fry stuffing balls instead of baking?
Absolutely! Place them in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is a great shortcut.
5. How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Make sure to use the egg as a binder and don’t add too much broth. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more stuffing.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir in the beaten egg, chicken broth, and shredded cheese until well mixed.
- Scoop the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy on the outside and heated through.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.
