Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Looking for a creative and delicious way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer — golden, savory, and slightly sweet with a festive cranberry touch. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and ideal for parties or family gatherings, this recipe transforms holiday leftovers into something truly special. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and watch them disappear fast.

These stuffing balls combine the best of the season — tender turkey, herbed stuffing, sweet-tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The result? A bite-sized comfort food that’s crispy on the outside and soft, flavorful, and satisfying inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love simple, no-fuss holiday recipes, this one’s a keeper. Here’s why these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a must-try:

• Perfect for leftovers: A creative way to repurpose cooked turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves finger foods during the holidays, and these are easy to serve and eat.
• Festive flavor: Dried cranberries add sweetness that perfectly balances the savory turkey and herbs.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, including prep time.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared early and baked when needed for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient contributes to the comforting, savory flavor of these holiday stuffing balls. Here’s how they come together:

• Cooked Turkey: Finely chopped turkey adds protein and rich flavor. Leftovers work beautifully here.
• Stuffing: Use homemade or store-bought stuffing. It binds everything together with seasoned bread and herbs.
• Dried Cranberries: Add bursts of sweetness and a hint of tartness, giving that festive, holiday taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness to balance the richness.
• Dried Thyme: Classic Thanksgiving seasoning that enhances the savory aroma.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle flavor booster that rounds out the seasoning mix.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of mild spice and depth.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together for perfect shaping.
• Chicken or Turkey Broth: Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the mixture, giving a creamy texture and extra flavor — cheddar or mozzarella both work well.
• Melted Butter: Brushed on top for that irresistible golden crust.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle at the end adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the texture light.
• Adjust moisture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more broth; if too wet, add extra stuffing.
• Uniform size: Scoop even-sized balls to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps them brown nicely.
• Serve warm: These taste best fresh from the oven with warm honey or syrup drizzled on top.

Variations and Customizations

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand:

1. Cheesy Stuffing Balls: Add extra shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a gooey surprise.
2. Sausage Version: Swap turkey for cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled Italian sausage.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
4. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Balls: Mix in chopped pecans for added crunch and holiday flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and check that all ingredients are gluten-free.

Pairing Suggestions

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls pair wonderfully with other holiday favorites. Try serving them with:

• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the savory richness.
• Gravy or Honey Glaze: A drizzle of warm gravy or honey butter makes them irresistible.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side that complements the crispy texture.
• Green Beans or Roasted Veggies: Add balance and color to your plate.
• White Wine or Sparkling Cider: Perfect beverages to accompany this festive bite.

Storage Instructions

If you want to make these ahead or save leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Shape and bake when ready to serve.

Popular Questions

Can I use leftover turkey and stuffing from Thanksgiving?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for holiday leftovers. Just make sure both are still fresh and properly refrigerated.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even diced apples can be great substitutes for cranberries.

Can I make these without cheese?

Absolutely. The cheese adds creaminess, but you can omit it for a lighter version.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture isn’t too dry—add a bit more broth or another beaten egg to help bind everything together.