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Okay, picture this: it’s the holidays, the family’s gathered, and the table’s groaning under the weight of…the usual suspects. Turkey, mashed potatoes, maybe some green bean casserole. But what if you could shake things up a bit? That’s where these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come in! They’re not just another side dish; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Think perfectly seasoned turkey and stuffing, studded with tart cranberries for that extra zing. Honestly, I used to *dread* holiday meals a little (don’t tell my grandma!), but ever since I started making these little guys, I actually look forward to it. They’re like a quirky, delicious hug in every bite!
Why You’ll Love These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Seriously, what’s not to love? These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are:
- **Packed with flavor:** The savory turkey, classic stuffing spices, and those bursts of tart cranberries? It’s a party in your mouth!
- Super easy to make:** Seriously, you just mix everything together, roll ’em up, and bake! Even *I* can’t mess it up (and that’s saying something!).
- Holiday-perfect:** They’re festive, fun, and a total crowd-pleaser. Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any get-together, really!
- Ready in a flash:** From start to finish, you’re looking at under 40 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to watch a sitcom!
- Simple ingredients:** Nothing fancy-pants here. Just good, old-fashioned ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:
- 1 pound ground turkey. Not too lean, a little fat helps!
- 1 cup bread crumbs. I usually use seasoned, but plain works great too!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries. These little gems are key!
- 1/4 cup chopped onion. Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!
- 1/4 cup chopped celery. Don’t skip this, it adds a nice little crunch.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning. Gotta have that classic stuffing flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste, of course!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best, if you have it!
- 1 large egg, beaten. This helps bind everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. For browning those babies!
Easy peasy, right?
How to Make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: Step-by-Step
Okay, gather ’round, because we’re about to make some magic! Follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than folding laundry (and way more rewarding!).
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important – don’t skip it! You want that oven nice and toasty.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Get a big bowl, because we’re throwing everything in there! That’s the ground turkey, bread crumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg.
- Mix well. Don’t be shy; get your hands in there (clean ones, obviously!) or use a spoon. You want everything evenly distributed, so those cranberries are in every bite!
- Form into 1-inch balls. Now for the fun part! Roll the mixture into little balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming! I usually get around 20-24 balls.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Put that skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Wait until it’s nice and shimmering – that means it’s ready!
- Brown stuffing balls on all sides. Carefully place the stuffing balls in the skillet and brown them on all sides. This adds a lovely color and flavor. Careful, it splatters a little! You might need to do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Transfer to a baking sheet. Once browned, move the stuffing balls to a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup, but it’s not essential.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm, and watch them disappear! Seriously, these are usually gone in minutes at my house!
Tada! You’ve just made the most amazing Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ever! Give yourself a pat on the back (and maybe sneak one for yourself!).
Tips for Perfect Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Want to take these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning! If you try to cram too many stuffing balls in the skillet, they’ll steam instead of brown. No bueno! Work in batches for that beautiful golden crust.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven. Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around 15 minutes. You want them cooked through but not dried out.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Before you roll all the stuffing balls, fry a tiny little piece of the mixture and give it a taste. Does it need more salt? A pinch of pepper? Now’s your chance to make it perfect!
- Don’t be afraid of herbs! A sprinkle of fresh thyme or sage can really elevate the flavor of these stuffing balls.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of Thanksgiving! Or Christmas! Or Tuesday night, I don’t judge!
Variations on Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe (go you!), but feeling a little adventurous? Wanna mix things up? Trust me, these little flavor bombs are *begging* for you to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Herb it up! Swap out or add to the poultry seasoning. Fresh sage, thyme, or even rosemary would be amazing.
- Spice things up! A pinch of cayenne pepper adds some welcome heat. Or, for a warmer spice, try a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Whoa!
- Nuts about nuts! Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly first for extra flavor!
- Fruit frenzy! Swap the cranberries for dried cherries, chopped apples, or even golden raisins. The possibilities are endless!
- Cheese, please! A little shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese mixed into the stuffing mixture would be divine.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is super forgiving, so have fun and make it your own. And hey, if you come up with a brilliant variation, be sure to let me know!
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Alright, you’ve got a plate of gorgeous, golden-brown Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls…now what? Don’t just leave ’em hanging! These little guys are begging to be part of a *feast*! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve ’em up:
- Drowned in gravy! I mean, come on, is there anything better than stuffing and gravy? My homemade turkey gravy recipe would be amazing!.
- With cranberry sauce, of course! The tartness of the cranberry sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the savory stuffing. It’s a must, trust me!
- Alongside other holiday sides! Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole…you know the drill! These stuffing balls fit right in.
- As a fancy appetizer! Skewer them with a toothpick and serve them with a dipping sauce. Like a honey-mustard glaze, maybe?
Basically, anything that you’d normally serve with turkey, you can serve with these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They’re totally versatile!
Storing and Reheating Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
So, you’ve got leftover Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerating: Store completely cooled stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them! Place the cooled stuffing balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen stuffing balls in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes), or microwave them in short bursts. Add a splash of broth to keep ’em moist!
Trust me, reheated stuffing balls are almost as good as the first time! Almost!
Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Got questions about these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (besides, “Can I have another one?”).
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally make these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls a day or two in advance. Just prep them up to the baking stage, then store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!
Can I use fresh cranberries?
You *can*, but I don’t recommend it. Fresh cranberries are much tarter than dried, and they can make the stuffing balls a little too…well, tart! If you’re gonna go that route, I’d suggest cooking the cranberries down with a little sugar and orange zest first. Dried cranberries are just so much easier and give a consistent sweetness. But hey, if you’re a fresh cranberry fanatic, go for it!
How do I prevent them from being dry?
Nobody wants dry stuffing balls! A couple of things can help. First, don’t overbake them. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes, and take them out as soon they’re cooked through. Second, make sure you’re using enough egg – it helps bind the ingredients and keeps things moist. Finally, don’t be afraid to add a splash of chicken broth to the mixture if it seems dry before you roll the stuffing balls. Trust me.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yep! Ground chicken or even ground pork would work just fine in these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Chicken tends to be a little milder in flavor than turkey, so you might want to add a little extra poultry seasoning or some other herbs and spices. Experiment and have fun!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, a quick word about the nutritional info. Just keep in mind that these are estimates! Different brands of ingredients (and even how heavy-handed I am with the seasoning!) can change things up. This is meant as a general guide, not a precise measurement. So enjoy those Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – guilt-free!
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Turkey stuffing balls with cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, cranberries, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown stuffing balls on all sides.
- Transfer stuffing balls to a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Add herbs to the mixture.
- Serve with gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg