Description
These festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a savory, sweet, and perfectly portioned appetizer or side dish, ideal for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey (lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
6 cups stale bread cubes (from white, sourdough, or cornbread)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the turkey aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, stale bread cubes, and dried cranberries.
Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken/turkey broth and the lightly beaten egg. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined and moist, but do not overmix.
Step 6: Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and heated through. For an extra crispy exterior, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of poultry seasoning or a splash of dry white wine to the broth mixture. If your bread is not stale, cut it into cubes and toast it lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until dried out. These stuffing balls reheat well in an air fryer for crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg