Description
Delicious and festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side dish for your holiday meals. These bite-sized meatballs combine ground turkey with savory stuffing and sweet dried cranberries, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked stuffing (boxed or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked stuffing, dried cranberries, chopped celery, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, dried sage, and garlic powder.
- Mix Gently: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which could make the balls tough.
- Form Stuffing Balls: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over the tops of each ball to help with browning and moisture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the balls are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffing balls to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use either homemade or boxed stuffing depending on preference; avoid overly moist stuffing to maintain shape.
- For a more intense flavor, sauté celery and onion lightly before mixing, though this is optional.
- These balls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve as a side dish or appetizer during Thanksgiving or other festive gatherings.
