Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to any meal, combining savory turkey with sweet cranberries for a delightful flavor experience. These stuffing balls are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to serve at holiday gatherings, casual dinners, or as a snack. With their delicious taste and appealing texture, they stand out as a comfort food favorite that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these stuffing balls ready in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of turkey and dried cranberries creates a unique taste that pleases everyone at the table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a main course.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for quick and satisfying meals.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday or just a regular weeknight dinner, these stuffing balls fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, gather your kitchen tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly; different sizes can help manage various steps.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even cooking surface for your stuffing balls while ensuring they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook your stuffing balls evenly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion.
In another bowl:
1. Combine the ground turkey, chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, dried sage, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Form Balls
- Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls!
How to Serve Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Serving Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can elevate your meal and impress your guests. These delicious bites are versatile and can be paired with various sides or sauces.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Cranberry Sauce: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of turkey and adds a sweet-tart element.
- Mustard Dip: A tangy mustard sauce adds a nice zing that complements the savory stuffing balls.
Serve with Fresh Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: A salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffing balls and adds freshness.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides texture and a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory balls.
Make it a Meal
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a hearty meal when served alongside these stuffing balls.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish with herbs can provide a nutritious base for serving the stuffing balls.
How to Perfect Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, consider these helpful tips:
- Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh celery and onions for better flavor and texture.
- Bold Ensure Proper Mixing: Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout each ball.
- Bold Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the balls; adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for personal preference.
- Bold Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
Complement your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls with delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring out their natural sweetness and add color to your plate.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes that is lower in carbs yet full of flavor.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish offers a sweet balance to the savory stuffing balls, perfect for any occasion.
- Green Bean Almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds provide crunch and brightness against rich turkey flavors.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs is a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with turkey dishes.
- Cornbread Muffins: Lightly sweet cornbread muffins complement the savory notes in stuffing balls perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results.
- Ignoring the bread cube size: Using overly large bread cubes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your bread is cut into small, uniform pieces for even absorption of moisture.
- Overmixing the turkey mixture: Mixing too vigorously can make the stuffing balls tough. Combine gently just until ingredients are mixed for a tender texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season adequately will result in bland stuffing balls. Be sure to measure and add all spices and herbs as directed for maximum flavor.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing your stuffing balls inside.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Placing too many stuffing balls close together can cause steaming instead of browning. Space them out on the baking sheet for crispy edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
Can I use other meats besides turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or beef can be used as alternatives while retaining similar flavors and textures.
How do I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or parsley, or mix in vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
What are some good sides to serve with Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Pair these delicious stuffing balls with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent addition to any dinner table and can easily be customized with different herbs or vegetables. Try this recipe for your next meal prep or weeknight dinner, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual dinners, these stuffing balls are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as appetizers, side dishes, or snacks. With their appealing texture and delicious flavor, they are sure to become a favorite comfort food for everyone. Enjoy the ease of meal prep by making a large batch in advance, and savor the satisfying taste throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine dried bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- In another bowl, mix ground turkey with chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the turkey mixture to the bread cube mixture and stir until mixed evenly.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffing balls (135g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
