Description
Succulent Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring festive holiday comfort to classic comfort food. Crispy exterior and tender interior blend savory turkey, tart cranberries, and herb-infused stuffing for a perfect bite you’ll crave at every celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped turkey bacon
Bread and Grains
- 4 cups dried bread cubes
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Moisture
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh sage
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced celery
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the stuffing balls.
- Combine ground turkey and chopped turkey bacon in a large mixing bowl, breaking down any large meat chunks to ensure even distribution.
- Add dried bread cubes, breadcrumbs, and dried cranberries to the meat mixture, gently folding to integrate all components without compressing the ingredients.
- Finely chop fresh sage, thyme, and incorporate them into the mixture along with dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper for robust herbal seasoning.
- Sauté diced onions and celery in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors and softening their texture.
- Whisk eggs and chicken broth together, then pour over the meat and bread mixture, acting as a binding agent to help the stuffing balls hold their shape.
- Gently mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overmix and maintain a light, airy texture.
- Using clean hands or a small scoop, form compact balls approximately 2 inches in diameter, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure uniform browning and crispy exteriors.
- Remove from oven when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, allowing the stuffing balls to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Check meat temperature carefully to prevent undercooking and ensure food safety, using a reliable meat thermometer for precise readings.
- Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same texture and binding properties.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavors, but dried herbs work perfectly as a convenient alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Allow mixture to rest for 10 minutes before forming balls to help ingredients meld and enhance overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg