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Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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These easy, bite-sized stuffing balls combine roasted turkey, fresh herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries for a festive Thanksgiving appetizer. Perfect for using up leftovers and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
  • 2 1/2 cups prepared stuffing (cornbread, sourdough, or classic herb)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion (yellow or sweet)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (add more if mixture seems dry)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for coating; gluten-free works too)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing, optional)
  • Cranberry sauce, gravy, or honey mustard (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Shred cooked turkey and chop celery, onion, and herbs. Chop dried cranberries if large.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, stuffing, cranberries, celery, onion, parsley, and sage. Mix gently.
  4. Add eggs, broth, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Add more broth if mixture seems dry.
  5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll gently and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. For a crispy coating, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs and place back on the sheet. Brush with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and firm. Cranberries should look slightly caramelized and stuffing crisp around the edges.
  8. Let the stuffing balls cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Arrange on a platter with cranberry sauce, gravy, or your favorite dip. Sprinkle with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing and panko. Vegetarian option: swap turkey for mushrooms or plant-based protein and use veggie broth. Mixture should be moist but not sticky; add broth or butter if dry. Chill mixture for easier shaping. Air fryer option: bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm for best texture. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, appetizer, turkey, stuffing, cranberry, holiday, easy, crowd-pleaser, leftovers, finger food

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/savory-cranberry-turkey-stuffing-balls-easy-thanksgiving-appetizer-recipe/