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Golden-brown cranberry turkey stuffing balls arranged on a white platter with fresh herbs, featuring perfectly round spheres with visible cranberry pieces, ideal for holiday entertaining and Thanksgiving appetizers

45-Minute Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls - Perfect Holiday Appetizer!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring all the classic holiday flavors into perfectly portioned, golden-brown bites. Made with lean turkey, fresh cranberries, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is ready in just 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 stuffing balls
Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1/2 cup dried
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or homemade
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried sage or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and grease lightly.
  2. Sauté onion and celery in olive oil 3-4 minutes. Add garlic for last minute. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Add ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  4. Whisk eggs and broth separately. Pour over mixture and fold until just combined.
  5. Shape into 24 balls (1.5 inches). Place on baking sheet with spacing.
  6. Bake 18-22 minutes until golden and 165°F internal temperature. Rotate pan halfway.
  7. Cool 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Always check for 165°F internal temperature. Avoid overmixing for tender texture.