Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Easy Holiday Appetizer

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Looking for an easy holiday appetizer that’s packed with savory flavor and festive flair? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls combine tender bread cubes, tart cranberries, aromatic herbs, and crunchy nuts into irresistible bite-sized delights. Crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful inside—each ball delivers a burst of holiday comfort in every bite.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall dinner, these stuffing balls are a delicious twist on traditional stuffing. They’re also a fantastic make-ahead dish for stress-free hosting and ideal for anyone searching for easy appetizer ideas, Thanksgiving sides, or comfort food for a crowd.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 stuffing balls
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Appetizers, Holiday Sides
Cuisine: American

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect bite-sized side dish for holiday dinners

• Great way to use up leftover stuffing ingredients

• Festive flavors with cranberries, herbs, and nuts

• Easy to prep ahead and bake when ready

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for parties

• Crispy, golden exterior with a tender, moist center

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Dried Bread Cubes: Provide the hearty base and help the balls hold their shape.

• Celery & Onion: Add savory aromatics and a satisfying crunch.

• Fresh Cranberries: Bring tart pops of flavor that balance the richness.

• Pecans or Walnuts: Add a toasty crunch and nutty flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Moistens the mix while adding depth.

• Egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive stuffing ball.

• Dried Sage & Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse the dish with comforting holiday flavor.

• Salt & Pepper: Enhance and balance all the other flavors.

• Melted Butter: Adds moisture and a rich, buttery finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) dried bread cubes

• ½ cup (60g) chopped celery

• ¼ cup (30g) chopped onion

• ½ cup (115g) fresh cranberries

• ¼ cup (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts

• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with nonstick spray.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix together the bread cubes, chopped celery, onion, cranberries, nuts, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg and melted butter. Pour this over the dry mixture and toss gently. Slowly add chicken broth until the mixture holds together but isn’t soggy.

4. Shape Stuffing Balls
   Scoop out a portion and form into 1-inch balls using your hands. Press firmly so they hold together. Arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the balls are golden and firm to the touch. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

6. Serve Warm
   Serve hot from the oven as a festive appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Pro Tips:

• Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture—it soaks up moisture without becoming mushy.

• If fresh cranberries are too tart, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes.

• Don’t overmix—toss gently to avoid breaking the bread cubes down too much.

• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

• Let the balls cool for a few minutes before serving so they firm up.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations:

• Use cooked turkey or sausage: Add cooked, chopped meat to the mix for a protein boost.

• Swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins for a sweeter twist.

• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Go nut-free: Omit pecans or walnuts if serving to those with allergies.

• Add spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve alongside roast turkey or glazed ham.

• Plate with cranberry sauce or a drizzle of gravy.

• Add to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread with mini meatballs, cheese bites, and veggie skewers.

• Serve in a bread basket with dinner rolls and cornbread.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips:

• To prep ahead: Form the stuffing balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• To freeze: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

• Leftovers: Store cooked balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp.

Cultural or Historical Notes:

Stuffing balls are a modern twist on the traditional American Thanksgiving stuffing or dressing. Originally served inside the bird, these portable bites offer a crispier exterior and easier portion control—perfect for buffets and gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use stuffing mix instead of dried bread cubes?
Yes, you can substitute pre-seasoned stuffing mix—just adjust the added herbs and salt accordingly.

Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread cubes or stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these without eggs?
You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) or simply use a bit more broth for binding.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is moist enough and pressed firmly when forming balls. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I serve these cold?
They’re best enjoyed warm, but you can serve them at room temperature for parties or potlucks.

Notes:

• For extra crispness, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

• Double the batch for large holiday gatherings.

• Not suitable for deep frying—baking yields the best results.

Nutrition (per serving – 1 stuffing ball):

Calories: 85
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 130mg

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