Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the comforting flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. But what if you could have all three in one perfect bite? Enter the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls — a festive, flavorful, and totally irresistible twist on classic holiday leftovers.

These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites are everything you love about Thanksgiving and Christmas rolled into one delicious appetizer or side dish.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Balls

🦃 Perfect for Leftovers: A creative way to use leftover turkey and stuffing.
🌟 Burst of Holiday Flavor: Cranberries add a tangy sweetness that complements savory turkey.
🧄 Crispy & Golden: Perfectly baked or air-fried for that satisfying crunch.
👩‍👩‍👧 Crowd Favorite: Great for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffing Balls:

2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
3 cups prepared stuffing
½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh, chopped)
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt & pepper, to taste

For Serving:

Cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, cranberries, cheese (if using), melted butter, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Use your hands or a spatula to mix until the ingredients stick together and can be easily rolled into balls.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into tight balls. Place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet.

Tip: If your stuffing is too dry, add a tablespoon of broth or gravy to moisten it.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.

(Alternative: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.)

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm with a side of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of turkey gravy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a festive touch.

🦃 Serving Ideas

Serve as appetizers at your Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.
Use as a side dish next to mashed potatoes and green beans.
Make them mini for bite-sized party snacks.
Dip in cranberry relish for a sweet contrast or gravy for savory richness.

💡 Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overmix — just combine until it holds together.
If using leftover stuffing, warm it slightly so it’s easier to shape.
Add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy festive note.
Use panko breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too moist.

🎄 Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls capture the true spirit of the holidays — comforting, flavorful, and beautifully festive. They’re an easy make-ahead dish that turns humble leftovers into something impressive. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main, they’ll be gone in minutes!

❤️ Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about combining turkey, stuffing, and cranberry into one warm, golden bite. These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just about using leftovers — they’re about reliving the joy and warmth of holiday meals in the most delicious way possible. Serve them at your next gathering and watch everyone ask for the recipe!