Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Juicy shredded turkey, herby stuffing, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh green onions come together in these golden-baked little bundles of holiday comfort. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these easy-to-make balls are the perfect way to reinvent leftovers—or create a festive appetizer or side dish from scratch. Think of them as stuffing meets meatball, with a Thanksgiving twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another leftover hack—it’s a flavor-packed upgrade. Whether you’re using post-holiday turkey scraps or making them fresh for a crowd, these stuffing balls combine all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner into one delicious, bite-sized treat. They bake up fast, freeze beautifully, and disappear even faster.

Perfect for:

• Holiday leftovers (especially Thanksgiving!)
• Game day snacks or party appetizers
• Make-ahead meals and freezer-friendly bites
• Fans of stuffing, turkey sandwiches, or savory hand pies

Ingredients (Serves 4–6 / Makes ~16 Balls)

• 1 cup (140g) cooked turkey, shredded (white or dark meat)
• 1 cup (85g) dry stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade—like Stove Top® or cornbread stuffing)
• ½ cup (75g) dried cranberries, chopped
• ¼ cup (25g) green onions, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth, warmed (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp (3g) fresh parsley, finely chopped

✅ Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tsp sage or thyme
• 2 tbsp toasted pecans or walnuts
• Pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
• 1 beaten egg (for extra binding if mixture feels loose)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl:

• Combine shredded turkey, stuffing mix, chopped cranberries, green onions, warm chicken broth, and parsley.
• Stir gently until fully blended and sticky enough to hold its shape.

Let sit 5 minutes—this allows the stuffing to absorb moisture and firm up.

3. Form into Balls

• Scoop 2-tbsp portions of mixture (~1.5-inch balls).
• Roll gently between your palms into compact, round balls.
• Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake Until Golden & Crisp

• Bake 20–25 minutes, until:
  • Tops are deep golden brown
  • Edges are slightly crisp
  • Centers are hot and set

5. Cool Slightly & Serve

• Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving—this helps them hold together when picked up.

Serve warm as:

• A standalone snack or appetizer
• A cozy side with gravy or cranberry sauce
• With toothpicks for easy party serving

You Must Know

• Use dry stuffing mix —not already prepared stuffing. The crumbs absorb moisture and bind the balls.
• Warm broth helps hydrate —cold liquid slows absorption.
• Don’t overmix —just enough to combine; overworking can make them dense.
• Tastes better the next day! Reheats beautifully in oven or air fryer.
• Freezer-friendly —cool completely and freeze before or after baking.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may soften edges.
• Freeze unbaked or baked: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen (+2–3 mins).

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style on a platter with dipping sauces.
• Great for potlucks—bring the whole tray!
• Double the batch and freeze half for future joy.
• Pack in lunchboxes (reheat safely).

Cultural Context

Rooted in American holiday traditions and creative leftover cooking, this recipe celebrates how resourceful cooks turn yesterday’s feast into today’s delight. Found at post-Thanksgiving tables, game-day spreads, and inventive kitchens alike, it honors the joy of sharing food made with love—and zero waste.

Pro Tips

• Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd. Use two baking sheets.
• Want more flavor? Add fresh herbs, garlic, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Make ahead: Assemble unbaked balls and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
• Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
• Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked stuffing instead of dry mix?
A: Not recommended—it makes the mixture too wet. Stick to dry stuffing cubes or crumbs.

Q: Why did my balls fall apart?
A: Likely too much liquid or not enough binder. Drain turkey well and add a beaten egg if needed.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using GF stuffing mix and verifying all ingredients.

Q: Can I make them into patties?
A: Absolutely! Flatten into mini fritters and pan-fry for stuffing cakes.

Q: Can I air fry them?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Allergy Information

Contains: wheat (in most stuffing mixes), eggs (in some processed stuffings).
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF stuffing mix.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always check labels—especially on processed broths and stuffing mixes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 6 servings (3 balls each)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg

These balls don’t whisper. They emerge golden from the oven, crisp and inviting, saying everything a great snack should: “Grab me. Share me… maybe.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with turkey, tenderness, and someone who says, “Let’s make it unforgettable.”