Picture this: you walk into your kitchen and catch the most incredible aroma wafting from the oven—savory herbs, sweet-tart cranberries, and that unmistakable comfort of perfectly seasoned stuffing. But instead of the traditional side dish, you’ve transformed these beloved flavors into irresistible, bite-sized cranberry turkey stuffing balls that disappear from the platter almost as quickly as you can make them!
These little golden spheres are what happens when you take everything magical about holiday stuffing and give it a fun, party-friendly makeover. I discovered this recipe when I had leftover turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving, and honestly, they turned out so delicious that now I make extra stuffing just so I can turn it into these crowd-pleasing appetizers.
What makes these cranberry turkey stuffing balls absolutely special is how they capture all those cozy, familiar flavors we crave during the holidays while being incredibly versatile. You can serve them as appetizers, pack them for lunch, or even make them the star of a casual dinner with a simple salad on the side.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
• Perfect for using leftovers: Transform holiday turkey and stuffing into an exciting new dish
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep and freeze these balls up to a month in advance for stress-free entertaining
• Customizable flavors: Easily adapt with different herbs, nuts, or dried fruits to match your taste preferences
• Crowd-pleasing size: Bite-sized portions make them ideal for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings
• Simple technique: Just mix, roll, and bake—no complicated cooking skills required
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Incredibly easy to make – If you can mix ingredients in a bowl and roll them into balls, you’ve got this! No fancy techniques or special skills needed.
Perfect flavor balance – The savory turkey and herbs play beautifully with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, creating that “just right” taste in every bite.
Ultimate party food – These bite-sized beauties are perfect for entertaining. No plates or utensils needed, and they look gorgeous on any appetizer spread.
Flexible and forgiving – You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, and the recipe adapts beautifully to dietary preferences.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of cranberry turkey stuffing balls lies in their simplicity and flexibility. You’re essentially binding together familiar flavors with a few key ingredients that help everything hold together and taste amazing. The stuffing provides the base and texture, while the turkey adds protein and substance. Those dried cranberries? They’re the little jewels that make each bite special.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Balls:
- 4 cups prepared stuffing, cooled (homemade or store-bought both work beautifully)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped (leftover roasted turkey is perfect)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, roughly chopped)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (helps bind everything together)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (adds moisture and flavor)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for color and freshness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that savory depth)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground tastes best)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on your stuffing’s saltiness)
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if mixture seems too dry)
Equipment & Tools
You won’t need anything fancy for these cranberry turkey stuffing balls! Here’s what will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable:
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all ingredients
- Cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop – helps create uniform balls (though your hands work perfectly too!)
- Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
- Sharp knife – for chopping turkey and herbs
Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Base
In your large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled stuffing and chopped turkey. I like to use my hands for this part—it helps break up any large chunks of stuffing and ensures everything mixes evenly. The mixture should look well-distributed but not mushy.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Fold in the dried cranberries, fresh parsley, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to inhale—doesn’t it smell like the holidays already? The herbs should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Bind It Together
Create a well in the center of your mixture and pour in the beaten eggs and chicken broth. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently fold everything together until the mixture holds together when squeezed. It should feel moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of broth at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 5: Shape the Balls
Here’s where it gets fun! Using your cookie scoop or hands, form the mixture into balls about 1½ inches in diameter—roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The tops should have a lovely crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This brief cooling time helps them hold their shape and prevents any burns from eager taste-testers!
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overmix the ingredients—gentle folding keeps the texture light and prevents dense, heavy balls
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft to handle
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling to prevent sticking
- Test one first—bake a single ball to check seasoning and adjust if needed
Delicious Variations
Apple Cranberry Version: Swap half the cranberries for finely diced apple for extra sweetness and crunch
Cheesy Herb Balls: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for extra richness
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely minced jalapeño
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted pine nuts
Smart Substitutions
- No turkey? Use rotisserie chicken, leftover ham, or make them vegetarian with extra herbs and nuts
- Fresh cranberries: Use ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped, instead of dried
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix as your base
- Dairy-free: Ensure your stuffing is dairy-free and skip any cheese additions
- Egg-free: Try 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water as an egg substitute
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Balls falling apart? Add another beaten egg or a bit more broth to help bind the mixture.
Too salty? Balance with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or add some plain breadcrumbs to dilute the saltiness.
Lacking flavor? Taste your mixture before baking and adjust herbs, salt, and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
As appetizers: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks and serve alongside cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping
With salads: Serve 3-4 balls over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a satisfying lunch
Soup companion: They’re wonderful alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup
Cheese board addition: Include them on a holiday cheese and charcuterie board for something warm and substantial
Wine pairing: They pair beautifully with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or even a crisp Riesling
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Storage Options
- Room temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but can sit out for up to 2 hours
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked balls for up to 3 months in an airtight container
Make-Ahead Magic
Prep and freeze unbaked: Form the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Make the mixture ahead: Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Shape and bake when ready to serve.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven method (best): Reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, though they won’t be as crispy
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for perfectly crispy exteriors
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Each cranberry turkey stuffing ball (recipe makes about 24) contains approximately:
- Calories: 85-95
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
These little powerhouses provide a good balance of protein from the turkey and complex carbohydrates from the stuffing. The cranberries add antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness, while the herbs contribute vitamins and minerals.
Dietary Notes: Naturally dairy-free (depending on stuffing used), can easily be made gluten-free with appropriate stuffing substitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought stuffing mix for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just prepare the stuffing according to package directions, let it cool completely, then proceed with the recipe. Store-bought stuffing works just as well as homemade.
Q: What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
A: No problem! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even cook some ground turkey specifically for this recipe. Just season it well with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes! Try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of broth to help bind the mixture.
Q: Why are my stuffing balls falling apart?
A: This usually means the mixture needs more binding. Add another beaten egg or a bit more broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Definitely! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll get beautifully crispy on the outside.
Q: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A: They should be golden brown on the outside and feel firm when gently pressed. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if you want to be precise.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about transforming familiar holiday flavors into something completely new and exciting. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls capture all the comfort and warmth we associate with festive meals while offering the convenience and fun of finger food.
Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers, planning ahead for your next holiday gathering, or simply wanting to bring some seasonal flavors to a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of savory turkey, herb-rich stuffing, and those little bursts of sweet-tart cranberry creates a flavor experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fall in love with these irresistible little bites. I have a feeling they’re going to become a regular request at your holiday table—and honestly, that’s exactly what happened in my kitchen!
Don’t forget to make a double batch; trust me, they disappear faster than you’d expect. Happy cooking!
