Amazing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (3 Proven Ways)

Hey y’all! Jordan Bell here, coming to you from Asheville, North Carolina. If you’ve ever felt like Southern comfort food and healthy eating just couldn’t go together, I totally get it. For years, I struggled with my weight, and honestly, I thought giving up the rich, soul-warming dishes I grew up with was the only way. That’s why I started this blog, Easy Detox Recipes, to show everyone that you *can* have your cake (or in this case, your stuffing balls!) and eat it too. My mission is to take those beloved classics and give them a clean, wholesome makeover without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect example – they’re a little bit of holiday magic, a whole lot of comfort, and totally doable for any night of the week!

My Journey to Clean Southern Comfort Food

Honestly, losing 80 pounds felt like a miracle, but the *real* magic happened when I learned how to recreate the Southern dishes I adored in a way that made my body feel amazing. It wasn’t about deprivation; it was about smart swaps and fresh ingredients. I remember my grandma’s stuffing, and I knew I had to find a way to capture that same warmth and deliciousness, but lighter. This journey gave me a passion for transforming traditional favorites into healthier versions, and it’s what fuels everything I share here on Easy Detox Recipes. You can trust that I’m always cooking up ways to make comfort food good for you!

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These little bites of heaven are seriously a game-changer. They’re not just a holiday star, but perfect for game days or just a cozy weeknight meal. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, mix, roll, bake. That’s it!
• Bursting with Flavor: Savory turkey, tart cranberries, and all those yummy herbs make every bite a party.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Everyone loves a bite-sized treat, and these disappear fast!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Thanksgiving dinner to a casual appetizer spread, they fit right in.
• A Healthier Twist: Enjoy that classic stuffing flavor without all the heavy stuff.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what makes these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls so darn delicious. It’s all about quality ingredients and getting them prepped just right. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of this in your pantry already!

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Stuffing Balls

Here’s what you’ll need to grab to make these little flavor bombs:

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation
Bread Crumbs	2 cups	Plain or seasoned, your choice!
Cooked Turkey	1 cup	Shredded finely. Leftover roast turkey is perfect.
Dried Cranberries	½ cup	Chopped. This gives us that lovely tartness.
Onion	½ cup	Finely diced. A little sweetness and body here.
Celery	½ cup	Diced. For that classic savory crunch.
Fresh Parsley	¼ cup	Chopped. Brightens everything up!
Chicken Broth	¼ cup	Or vegetable broth for a slightly less rich flavor.
Dried Thyme	1 tsp	A classic for stuffing.
Salt	1 tsp	Or to taste.
Black Pepper	½ tsp	Freshly ground is always best.
Large Egg	1	This is our binder!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

A few little tips to make sure your stuffing balls are just perfect. First off, make sure that turkey is *fully* cooked before you shred it up – nobody wants undercooked poultry! For the bread crumbs, I usually go for plain, but if you have seasoned ones, that works too; just be mindful of the salt. Now, about that chicken broth – if your bread crumbs seem a little dry or your turkey is on the leaner side, don’t be afraid to add another tablespoon or two of broth until the mixture just holds together when you squeeze it. We don’t want it mushy, but we definitely don’t want it crumbly either!

A quick note on the “vegetarian” claim: As written, this recipe uses turkey, so it’s not vegetarian. But you can easily make it vegetarian by swapping out the shredded turkey for an equal amount of finely chopped, sautéed mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu! Just make sure whatever you use is moist enough to help bind things. And for my fellow Southerners who love a little something extra, a pinch of sage can be a lovely addition too!

Crafting Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these little bursts of flavor! It’s really not complicated at all, and honestly, it’s kind of therapeutic rolling them into perfect little balls. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of deliciousness ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. First things first, get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). And grab a baking sheet; line it with parchment paper or give it a quick grease so nothing sticks. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend here!
2. In a big ol’ mixing bowl – the kind you can really get in there with – toss in your bread crumbs, that lovely shredded turkey, and the chopped dried cranberries.
3. Next, add in your finely diced onion and celery. Don’t forget those fresh parsley bits; they add such a nice pop of freshness.
4. Now for the seasonings! Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and that freshly ground black pepper.
5. Make a little well in the center and pour in your chicken broth. Then, crack in that large egg. Get your hands in there (the best tool for the job!) and mix everything together until it’s all nicely combined and holds together when you give it a gentle squeeze. If it feels a little too dry and won’t form a ball, just add another tablespoon of chicken broth. Go slow, though – we don’t want it soggy!
6. Grab a 2-tablespoon measuring scoop. This is your secret weapon for making sure all your balls are the same size. Scoop out a portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a nice, compact ball. Pop it onto your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
7. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown on the outside and heated all the way through.
8. Once they’re done, carefully take them out and let them cool just a tiny bit. Serve them warm, maybe with a dollop of gravy or a side of cranberry sauce. They’re just divine!

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

To make sure your stuffing balls turn out absolutely perfect every single time, here are a few little secrets. First, that texture is key – you want the mixture to hold together easily when you roll it. If it’s too dry, add broth a tablespoon at a time; if it’s too wet, toss in a few more bread crumbs. Rolling them with a 2-tablespoon scoop helps ensure they all bake evenly. And for that gorgeous golden-brown color? Keep an eye on them in the last 5-10 minutes of baking; they should look toasted and delicious. If they’re browning too fast on top, you can always tent them loosely with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Common Questions and Answers

Got questions about these little gems? I’ve got answers! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are pretty straightforward, but I know folks sometimes wonder about a few things. Let’s clear them up!

Q1. Can I make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! Make-ahead is a lifesaver, right? You can totally mix the stuffing mixture and roll the balls up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator on your baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the preheated oven. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be starting from cold.

Q2. What kind of bread crumbs are best for stuffing balls?
I usually grab plain old dried bread crumbs, but you can totally use seasoned ones if that’s what you have! Just be mindful of the salt content if you use seasoned crumbs. Panko bread crumbs will give you a crispier coating, which is also super tasty. Just make sure they’re dried, not fresh, for the best texture.

Q3. My stuffing mixture seems too dry/wet. What should I do?
This is a super common thing, especially since bread crumbs can vary so much! If your mixture feels too dry and won’t hold together when you try to roll it, just add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time. Mix it in gently until it just starts to come together. If it feels too wet and sticky, don’t panic! Just add a bit more bread crumbs, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable enough to roll into balls. You want it to hold its shape without falling apart.

Q4. Can I make these vegetarian?
You sure can! As written, they’ve got turkey, making them a great *turkey stuffing* option. But to make them vegetarian, just skip the turkey and add about 1 cup of finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or finely crumbled firm tofu. Sautéed mushrooms add a lovely savory depth that works wonderfully! Just make sure whatever you add is cooked and not too watery.

Storing and Reheating Your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Leftovers? Lucky you! These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are just as good, if not better, the next day. Storing and reheating them is super simple, so you can enjoy that delicious flavor again and again.

Storage Method	Let the stuffing balls cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Methods	Oven: Arrange on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. This gives them a nice crispy edge back! Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. They’ll be softer this way.

Understanding the Nutrition of Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Now, I know some of you are curious about the nutritional side of things, and I love that! While these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a healthier take on a classic, it’s always good to have a general idea of what you’re enjoying. Keep in mind these numbers are just estimates, as everyone’s ingredients can vary a bit!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown for about 2-3 balls:

Serving Size	2-3 balls
Calories	150
Sugar	5g
Sodium	300mg
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	2g
Unsaturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	2g
Protein	8g
Cholesterol	30mg

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page! You can also find more of our content on Medium.

Print