Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Holiday Bite Everyone Fights Over 🦃🍽️
There’s something magical about leftovers — especially when they transform into something even better than the original meal. These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls were born the day after Thanksgiving, when I found myself staring at a fridge full of turkey and stuffing, wondering how to make them exciting again.
The result? A crispy, handheld delight that vanishes faster than the holiday pie. My kids love popping them like snacks, and every single year, my mom sneaks one right off the baking tray before dinner’s even ready. Packed with savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and herby stuffing, these golden bites taste like the holidays — all wrapped in one perfect ball.
🛒 What You’ll Need
This recipe is ideal for using up leftovers, but it’s just as delicious made from scratch.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups stuffing, either leftover or freshly prepared
- ½ cup dried cranberries, for that sweet holiday zing
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chicken broth, to moisten and bind
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for color and freshness
👨🍳 How to Make Stuffing Balls – Step by Step
These come together in just minutes and bake into golden, savory perfection.
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, cranberries, eggs, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your stuffing is heavily seasoned, go light on the salt.
3️⃣ Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but not soggy — you should be able to form a ball that holds its shape.
4️⃣ Form into golf-ball-sized portions, packing them tightly with your hands. You should get about 10–12 balls.
5️⃣ Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
6️⃣ Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and crisp to the touch.
⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: Makes 10–12 stuffing balls
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes need a few guardrails. Here’s what to watch out for:
- 🚫 Mixture too dry? Add more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it binds easily.
- 🚫 Too wet or mushy? Add more stuffing to soak up excess moisture.
- 🚫 Not packing tightly? Loose balls may fall apart while baking — press them firmly when shaping.
🔥 How to Serve
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile and make the perfect holiday appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. Here are a few tasty pairings:
- Dip them in warm gravy for the ultimate comfort food.
- Serve with cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Plate them with a side salad for a light post-holiday lunch.
- Freeze extras and reheat for a quick, festive treat anytime!
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Kid-approved: No utensils required — they’re made for little hands.
✔️ Great for parties: Perfect finger food for gatherings or potlucks.
✔️ Make-ahead friendly: Mix and form the balls ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
📌 Holiday Hack: Turn Them into a Meal!
Place 3–4 stuffing balls over mashed potatoes, drizzle with gravy, and top with a fried egg or roasted veggies. Instant comfort meal, no extra effort needed!