Description
These irresistibly savory cranberry turkey stuffing balls blend ground turkey, fresh cranberries, aromatic herbs, and classic stuffing ingredients into perfectly baked, bite-sized delights. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, these stuffing balls offer a festive twist to traditional holiday fare with their moist texture and delightful burst of tangy cranberries.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Balls Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking those delicious stuffing balls.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly incorporated.
- Add Ground Turkey: Gently fold in the ground turkey, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the stuffing mixture.
- Mix Eggs and Broth: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the chicken broth to moisten; then combine this liquid mixture with the stuffing mixture until thoroughly moistened.
- Shape Balls: Using slightly wet hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch diameter balls to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the formed stuffing balls evenly spaced on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking during cooking.
- Bake: Cook the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until their exterior is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
- Fresh cranberries add a tangy burst, but dried cranberries can be used for a sweeter option.
- Ensure the turkey is cooked through by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- These stuffing balls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
