Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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When the holiday season winds down and you’re staring at leftover turkey and stuffing, this recipe swoops in like a culinary superhero. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the kind of cozy, savory bites that make post-holiday meals feel like a treat. With their golden crust and flavorful center, these are not just a great way to repurpose leftovers, but a recipe you might find yourself craving all year long.

Baked to perfection, each ball delivers a harmony of juicy turkey, herby stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce all in one irresistible bite. They’re easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even dinner with a fresh salad or soup on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

These stuffing balls are a cozy, hand-held comfort food. They take ingredients you likely already have on hand and turn them into something that feels completely new. The balance of tart cranberry with savory turkey and stuffing makes every bite pop. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd at gatherings.

Can I Use Boxed Stuffing or Homemade?

Absolutely! Whether you’re working with leftover homemade stuffing from Thanksgiving or a box of your favorite brand, both will work just fine. The key is making sure it has the right texture to bind with the turkey without being too soggy or dry.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These bite-sized wonders come together with a few simple and familiar ingredients. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting from scratch, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cooked turkey: Shredded or finely chopped, it provides the protein and heartiness.
  • Stuffing: Acts as the binding agent and adds that comforting, herby flavor.
  • Cranberry sauce: Adds brightness and a hint of tart sweetness.
  • Eggs: Help everything stick together while baking.
  • Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
  • Butter (optional): For brushing on top before baking, giving a golden, crispy finish.
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How To Make the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If your stuffing is a bit dry, you may want to moisten it with a little broth.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Mix in the eggs, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Balls

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Lightly brush the tops with melted butter if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These are great warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile. They make a wonderful finger food for parties, a hearty addition to a meal, or even a lunchbox surprise. This recipe feeds about 6 people as an appetizer or 4 as a main course.

To store, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispness.

What to Serve With Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of cranberry.

Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy and slightly sweet, it pairs perfectly with the savory balls.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Comfort food on comfort food—need we say more?

Apple Fennel Slaw

A refreshing, crisp contrast to the warm, baked stuffing balls.

Gravy or Cranberry Dipping Sauce

Amp up the flavor with a side of warm gravy or extra cranberry sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Keep it light with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Mac and Cheese

Go all-in on comfort with a cheesy, creamy side.

Want More Holiday-Inspired Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive and cozy recipes too:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use homemade stuffing or go the easy route with a boxed mix? Did you toss in any extra spices or drizzle gravy on top?

I love hearing how you personalize these recipes. Don’t be shy—questions are welcome, too!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and holiday treats on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new seasonal favorites.

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you want in a post-holiday bite: crispy on the outside, warm and flavorful inside, and perfectly portioned. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe brings comfort and creativity to your table.

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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 18 balls

Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect post-holiday appetizer or snack made with leftover turkey, stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce. These golden baked bites are freezer-friendly, easy to make, and bursting with cozy flavor. Great for parties, meal prep, or a twist on Thanksgiving leftovers.


Ingredients

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped

2 cups stuffing (homemade or boxed)

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

3. Add the eggs, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

4. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions using your hands or a cookie scoop.

5. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.

6. Optional: Brush each ball with melted butter for a golden finish.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and heated through.

8. Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure the stuffing isn’t too dry or too wet—moisten with broth if needed.

To make them ahead, freeze unbaked balls and bake straight from frozen (add 5 minutes).

Add a touch of rosemary or thyme for extra holiday flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 balls
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
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