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Benjamin

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional holiday sides, combining the flavors of cranberry, turkey, and savory stuffing into bite-sized, handheld treats. Perfect for parties and easy to serve, these golden-brown balls offer a crispy exterior and a tender, moist interior, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 balls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Sauté the Aromatics
  • 1 knob butter melted
  • 1 cup onion finely diced
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
Prepare the Base
  • 1 pound ground turkey or shredded leftover turkey
  • 2 cups stuffing mix or bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
Season and Bind
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth added slowly
Form the Balls
  • 2 tablespoons mixture about 2 tablespoons of the mixture
Bake to Perfection
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • medium skillet
  • large mixing bowl,
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt a knob of butter. Add your finely diced onion and celery, cooking until they are soft and the onion smells nutty and sweet, like a cozy autumn afternoon.
Prepare the Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground turkey (or shredded holiday remains) with the stuffing mix and dried cranberries. Much like making our best ever sausage egg cheese breakfast rolls, the key is not to overwork the meat.
Season and Bind
  1. Fold in the sautéed vegetables, fresh parsley, sage, garlic powder, and a beaten egg. Slowly drizzle in the chicken broth, tossing gently until the mixture holds its shape when squeezed.
Form the Balls
  1. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball about the size of a golf ball. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This reminds me of the ease of making ricotta pistachio honey bites recipe, simple and satisfying.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Place the tray in a 375 degree oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden like late summer sun and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
The Final Glaze
  1. For an extra touch of decadence, brush the warm cranberry turkey stuffing balls with a little more melted butter or even a drizzle of maple syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 8g

Notes

These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile. They can be served as thanksgiving appetizers alongside a warm bowl of gravy for dipping. If you are looking for a fuller spread, they pair beautifully with a sweet breakfast bake like our oatmeal apple breakfast bake during a holiday brunch. They also make a great side for a roasted chicken dinner on a quiet Tuesday night. For a truly indulgent experience, serve them alongside our bacon and cheese loaded hashbrown waffles recipe to create a savory feast that hits every taste bud.
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