Introduction
Looking for a creative twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect bite-sized delights that combine all the classic flavors of the season into a simple, delicious appetizer or side dish. This recipe is easy to make, packed with savory turkey and sweet cranberries, and has a delightful crunch from fresh veggies. These stuffing balls bring together wholesome ingredients that make them perfect for holiday gatherings, family meals, or a comforting treat any time of year.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is ideal for anyone looking to make a lighter, handheld alternative to classic stuffing. Shredded turkey and dried cranberries add protein and sweetness, while bread crumbs, fresh herbs, and seasonings bring in a savory taste. With only a few simple steps, these stuffing balls are ready in under an hour. They’re versatile and make a great addition to any holiday spread.
History and Origin
Stuffing has long been a staple in holiday meals, particularly in North America. Traditionally, stuffing was baked inside the cavity of poultry, but over time, variations of it as a standalone side dish became popular. Turkey stuffing balls allow for easy portioning and are thought to have emerged as a modern twist on the traditional stuffing. The combination of turkey, cranberries, and aromatic herbs reflects the classic flavors of Thanksgiving in the United States, making these stuffing balls a festive treat rooted in tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of bread crumbs
- 1 cup of cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup of onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup of celery, diced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the stuffing mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, shredded turkey, chopped cranberries, diced onion, celery, and fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Incorporate the liquid ingredients:
- Add the chicken broth to the mixture, followed by the egg. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is moist.
- If the mixture appears too dry to hold its shape, add a small amount of additional chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Shape the stuffing balls:
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls make a great side dish or appetizer for any holiday gathering. Serve them alongside a classic turkey dinner or pair them with other side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. A cranberry or turkey-based gravy can be served as a dip for added flavor.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a cranberry sauce or a light turkey gravy for extra moisture and flavor.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans to balance the richness of the stuffing balls.
- Salads: A crisp green salad or coleslaw can add freshness and texture to the meal.
Variations of the Recipe
- Vegetarian Stuffing Balls: Substitute shredded turkey with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make these stuffing balls safe for those avoiding gluten.
- Nuts or Seeds: Add a handful of chopped pecans or sunflower seeds to the mixture for added texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Health Benefits Notes
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls provide a well-rounded blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Turkey offers lean protein and is a great source of essential amino acids. The inclusion of celery, parsley, and onions adds fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamin C and K. Using dried cranberries not only adds a touch of sweetness but also provides antioxidants.
FAQs
1. Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply shape and bake as directed.
2. Can I freeze the stuffing balls? Absolutely. After baking, allow the stuffing balls to cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
3. What can I use instead of cranberries? Raisins or chopped dried apricots make a great substitute if you prefer a different dried fruit. You can also use fresh apple chunks for a unique twist.
4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, fresh cranberries can be used, but chop them finely to ensure they cook well. Keep in mind that they will add a more tart flavor than dried cranberries.
5. Are these stuffing balls suitable for kids? Yes, these stuffing balls are kid-friendly. You can make smaller, bite-sized portions for younger children.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls capture all the traditional holiday flavors in a bite-sized, easy-to-serve dish. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, they make a fantastic addition to any meal, whether as a side or a standalone snack. This recipe is versatile, allowing for variations to suit different dietary preferences, and the stuffing balls can be made in advance, making holiday preparation even easier. Enjoy the festive flavors and delight your guests with these delicious stuffing balls that showcase the best of savory turkey and sweet cranberries in every bite.
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Perfectly Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffing balls 1x
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are an easy, flavorful side dish combining shredded turkey, dried cranberries, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Perfect as a bite-sized holiday side, they are simple to make, deliciously festive, and ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, shredded turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley. Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and add the egg. Stir until evenly mixed and moist. Add more broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Form Balls: Shape into 1.5-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
These stuffing balls can be made in advance and frozen for later use. Reheat from frozen in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Feel free to customize with different herbs or add-ins like nuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g