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To make delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 cups bread crumbs (preferably whole grain) - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 egg, beaten - 1/4 cup chicken broth - Olive oil for drizzling These ingredients work together to create a perfect mix of flavors. The turkey gives a nice base, while cranberries add a sweet touch. Fresh herbs enhance the taste, making the stuffing balls truly special. You can also add these ingredients for more flavor: - Additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots - Cheese options such as feta or mozzarella - Seasoning variations like paprika or cayenne pepper Using these extras can make your stuffing balls unique. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix! These stuffing balls are not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look at their nutritional profile: - Caloric content: Around 250 calories per serving - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 10g This dish balances protein and carbs well. It’s a great option for a holiday meal, providing energy and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for getting a nice golden color on your stuffing balls. 2. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. 1. Combining turkey and vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground turkey with 2 cups of bread crumbs, 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves. The cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor that balances the savory turkey. 2. Incorporating wet ingredients: Add 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of chicken broth to your mixture. Use your hands to combine everything well. You want it to be moist but firm enough to hold its shape. 1. Forming the stuffing balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Baking tips for perfect texture: Drizzle a little olive oil over each ball to help them brown nicely. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Enjoy the lovely aroma as they cook! For the complete steps and more details, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your stuffing balls moist, avoid overcooking them. If they dry out, they lose flavor and texture. Use an egg and chicken broth in your mix. The egg helps bind the ingredients. The broth adds needed moisture. Always check the mixture’s consistency; it should be moist but hold its shape. Herbs make a big difference in flavor. I recommend using dried sage and thyme for a classic taste. These herbs blend well with turkey and cranberries. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. You can also mix in some fresh herbs if you have them on hand. For a beautiful golden finish, drizzle olive oil over the stuffing balls before baking. This helps them crisp up nicely. Bake them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. That’s how you know they are fully cooked and safe to eat. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in your stuffing balls. Instead of turkey, try ground chicken or even beef. Each swap gives a unique taste. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils. They add protein and flavor. Changing the type of bread can also make a big difference. Use sourdough for a tangy taste or cornbread for a sweet note. You can even mix different breads for a fun twist. Want to add crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add texture and a nutty flavor. Dried fruits like raisins or apricots also work well. They bring sweetness that pairs nicely with cranberries. Don’t be afraid to play with spices. Add a pinch of cumin or paprika for warmth. You can also try fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, for a fresh kick. These stuffing balls shine with the right sauces. A cranberry sauce adds a sweet touch. Gravy can make them rich and hearty. Serve them with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a lovely meal. For a fun presentation, stack the balls on a platter with sprigs of fresh herbs. You can also serve them in small cups for a party-style dish. These ideas will impress your guests and make the meal feel special. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers, let the stuffing balls cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat them within this time. If you want to freeze them, wrap each stuffing ball in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. They stay good in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Preparing in advance makes life easier. You can mix the ingredients a day before and refrigerate. Just shape the balls before baking. Portioning them into meal-sized servings helps with storage. It also makes it easy to grab what you need for a quick meal. Follow the Full Recipe for best results! To check if your stuffing balls are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you do not have a thermometer, look for a golden brown color on the outside. The balls should feel firm and not soft. The juices should run clear when you cut into one. This ensures the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat. Yes, you can prep these stuffing balls in advance. You can mix the ingredients and shape them into balls. Then, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the unbaked stuffing balls. Just make sure to separate them on the baking sheet before freezing. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These stuffing balls pair well with many dishes. Serve them with a simple green salad for a light meal. They also go great with mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash. Consider adding a tangy cranberry sauce on the side for extra flavor. You could even serve them with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a festive touch, try them with gravy or a creamy mushroom sauce. Enjoy mixing and matching these flavors! In this post, we explored the ingredients and steps to make tasty cranberry turkey stuffing balls. We discussed essential and optional ingredients for added flavor, along with nutrition facts. I shared tips to keep the stuffing moist and flavorful. We also covered variations, storage tips, and common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious dish, experiment with flavors, and impress at your next meal. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bite!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delight your holiday gatherings with these scrumptious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Packed with ground turkey, fresh cranberries, and aromatic herbs, these easy-to-make bites are a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Impress your guests with a dish that's not only tasty but also healthy. Follow this simple recipe to create mouthwatering stuffing balls everyone will love. Click through to discover how to make them today!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

2 cups bread crumbs (preferably whole grain)

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup chicken broth

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, chopped cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

      Add the beaten egg and chicken broth to the mixture and use your hands to thoroughly mix everything until it is well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape.

        Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between each ball.

          Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each stuffing ball to help with browning.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6