Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together all the festive flavors of a holiday meal in one perfect bite. These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites are made from leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberries, making them a brilliant way to repurpose Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers. What makes them special is their versatility: they can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish on your holiday table. The sweet-tart cranberries pair beautifully with savory stuffing and turkey, while a crisp golden crust gives them irresistible texture. When I made these with a little extra gravy drizzled on top, they instantly became the star of the table. If you’re looking for a festive, fuss-free dish that saves waste and delivers on flavor, these stuffing balls are the answer.


Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – Perfect Holiday Bites
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are savory bite-sized holiday appetizers made with ground turkey, dried cranberries, and seasoned stuffing mix, baked until golden and perfect for dipping or serving as a festive side dish.
Ingredients
- 500g ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix (boxed or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (if needed for moisture)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, prepared stuffing mix, dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- If the mixture is too dry, add chicken broth a little at a time until it holds together.
- Roll mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping.
Notes
- These can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey stuffing for extra flavor.
- Can be frozen before or after baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked turkey – Shredded or finely chopped turkey adds protein and hearty flavor. White or dark meat both work well.
Stuffing – Leftover stuffing is the backbone of the recipe, binding everything together with its savory, herby taste.
Dried cranberries – Sweet and slightly tart, they add pops of flavor that brighten each bite.
Eggs – Essential for binding the mixture so the stuffing balls hold their shape.
Breadcrumbs – Help with structure and add a light crunch to the outside when baked.
Onion – Finely chopped and lightly sautéed onion adds depth and sweetness.
Butter – Used for sautéing onion and adding richness to the mixture.
Chicken or turkey broth – A splash helps moisten the mixture if it feels too dry.
Salt and pepper – Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
Fresh herbs – A little parsley or thyme adds a fresh finish and complements the festive flavors.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and fragrant. In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, leftover stuffing, sautéed onion, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and herbs. Crack in the eggs and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together. If it seems too dry, add a splash of broth to moisten.
Scoop portions of the mixture and roll into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping, and enjoy a festive bite that tastes like a holiday dinner rolled into one.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18–20 stuffing balls, serving 6–8 people as an appetizer. Prep time is 15 minutes, and baking time is 25 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best texture.

Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Twist – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for gooey centers.
Vegetarian Version – Use mushroom stuffing instead of turkey for a meat-free option.
Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular stuffing and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
Bacon Upgrade – Wrap each stuffing ball in a strip of bacon before baking for extra flavor.
Nutty Crunch – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and festive flair.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Mini Party Bites – Make smaller balls for bite-sized appetizers at holiday parties.
Gravy-Stuffed – Create a small indentation in each ball and spoon in a bit of gravy before sealing.
Herb Boost – Fresh rosemary or sage can give a stronger holiday aroma.
Cranberry Sauce Dip – Serve alongside homemade cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, shredded chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Do I need to use leftover stuffing?
No, you can prepare fresh stuffing just for this dish.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, shallow-frying works, but baking is healthier and less messy.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough eggs and breadcrumbs for binding.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, roll them in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Can I freeze stuffing balls?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
What dip goes best with stuffing balls?
Cranberry sauce or turkey gravy pairs beautifully.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but they should be lightly cooked or sweetened first to reduce tartness.
How do I make them crispier?
Brush lightly with oil before baking, or finish under the broiler for 2 minutes.
Are these good as a main dish?
Yes, serve them with mashed potatoes and veggies for a full meal.
Conclusion
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a festive and clever way to transform holiday leftovers into something new and exciting. With their golden exterior, flavorful stuffing, tender turkey, and bursts of cranberry sweetness, they capture the essence of a holiday meal in one bite. Whether served as appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish, these stuffing balls are versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a hit at your table. Once you try them, they may just become a new holiday tradition.