Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Savory and Tasty Bites

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Looking for a tasty twist on traditional stuffing? Try these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! They blend ground turkey, stale bread, and cranberries for a flavorful bite. I’ll guide you through simple steps to make these savory treats, along with tips on how to store leftovers and serve them perfectly. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy, delicious dish! Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Combination: The combination of turkey, cranberries, and herbs creates a deliciously savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that is perfect for holiday gatherings.
2. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully.
3. Versatile Serving Options: These stuffing balls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a main course, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
4. Great for Leftovers: Leftover stuffing balls can be easily reheated and enjoyed the next day, making them a fantastic option for meal prep and reducing food waste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey

– 2 cups stale bread, cut into cubes

– 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)

Aromatics and Seasonings

– 1/2 cup celery, finely diced

– 1/2 cup onion, finely diced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried sage

– 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Binding Ingredients

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

– Olive oil, for drizzling

The main ingredients for these stuffing balls give them great flavor and texture. The ground turkey forms a hearty base. Stale bread adds a nice chewiness, soaking up all the flavors. Cranberries bring in a burst of sweetness, which pairs perfectly with turkey.

The aromatics and seasonings elevate this dish. Diced celery and onion sautéed until soft create a sweet aroma. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and sage add depth. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper finish the flavor profile, ensuring a well-rounded taste.

Binding ingredients hold everything together. The beaten egg acts as a glue, while chicken broth adds moisture. A drizzle of olive oil helps create a crispy outer layer during baking. These ingredients come together to make every bite of cranberry turkey stuffing balls savory and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup.

– In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

– Add the finely diced onion and celery. Sauté them until soft and clear, about 5 minutes.

Mixing the Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine ground turkey with the sautéed onion and celery.

– Add in the cubed stale bread and cranberries. Toss in the chopped parsley, thyme, sage, and garlic powder.

– Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.

– Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula.

– Be careful not to over-mix. This will help keep the stuffing balls tender.

Shaping and Baking

– Use your hands to form small balls, about 1-2 inches wide.

– Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.

– Drizzle olive oil on top of each ball. This adds moisture and helps them get crispy.

– Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

– Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, place them on a serving platter.

Tips & Tricks

Mixing Techniques

To make the best cranberry turkey stuffing balls, you need to mix well but not too much. Here’s how:

– Avoid Over-Mixing: When you mix the ingredients, do it gently. Over-mixing can make the stuffing tough. Use your hands or a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.

– Ensuring Even Baking: Shape the balls evenly. Aim for 1-2 inches in size. This helps them cook at the same rate.

Perfect Baking

Getting the perfect bake is key to your stuffing balls’ success:

– Checking Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the center. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are fully cooked.

– Achieving a Crispy Exterior: Drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This helps create a nice, crispy texture. Bake until they are golden brown and crunchy.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, especially for holiday meals:

– Plating Ideas and Garnishes: Arrange the stuffing balls on a festive platter. Add fresh parsley for color and a pop of freshness.

– Pairing with Sauces: Serve with homemade cranberry sauce for dipping. It adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the savory stuffing balls.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch the ground turkey for other meats. Chicken or pork works well and adds unique flavors. This change can make your stuffing balls more fun. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. It binds just as well, ensuring great texture.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to add more taste? Consider mixing in nuts or cheese. Chopped walnuts or shredded cheese can add crunch and creaminess. You can also play with herbs. Try adding rosemary, oregano, or even basil for fresh twists. Each herb changes the profile of your dish, making it more exciting.

Cooking Methods

You have options when it comes to cooking. Air frying gives you a crispy finish while cutting down on oil. Baking is a classic method and works perfectly, too. If you want to try something fun, you can even cook them on the stovetop. Just be sure to turn them regularly for even cooking.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover stuffing balls, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing and Reheating

To freeze your stuffing balls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. This method helps keep them crispy on the outside.

Avoiding Soggy Texture

To avoid a soggy texture after storage, let them cool fully before sealing. When reheating, do not cover them to allow steam to escape. This keeps them from getting mushy. For added crunch, you can broil them for a minute or two after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these stuffing balls in advance. To make them ahead, follow these steps:

– Mix all ingredients as per the recipe.

– Form the balls but do not bake them yet.

– Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

– Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

This way, you save time on busy days. Just bake them when you are ready to serve.

What can I serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are great on their own, but you can pair them with:

– Homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor.

– A fresh green salad for a light side.

– Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch.

– Gravy for a rich sauce option.

Each of these sides adds balance to the meal and enhances the dish.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating leftovers can be tricky. Here’s how to do it without drying them out:

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Place the stuffing balls on a baking sheet.

– Cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

– Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

This method keeps them moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious bites again!

In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. We started by discussing the key ingredients, including ground turkey, stale bread cubes, and cranberries. I shared step-by-step instructions, from preparation to baking. You learned tips for perfect mixing and baking. We also looked at variations and storage info to keep your dish fresh.

Now, you can impress guests with this tasty recipe that is easy to make and customize. Enjoy creating your own stuffing ball

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delicious turkey stuffing balls with cranberries, perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• to taste Salt and pepper
• for drizzling Olive oil

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Add the cubed stale bread, cranberries, chopped parsley, dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Pour in the beaten egg and chicken broth, using your hands or a spatula to gently mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Take care not to over-mix, as this can toughen the stuffing balls.
• Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, roughly 1-2 inches in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly drizzle olive oil over each stuffing ball to enhance moisture and encourage a crispy exterior during baking.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and allow the stuffing balls to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.

Notes

For an inviting display, arrange the stuffing balls on a festive platter garnished with fresh parsley.

Keyword cranberries, holiday recipe, stuffing balls, turkey

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