Thanksgiving is a time filled with the warm embrace of family, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of roasting turkey wafting through the air. Imagine biting into delicious Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, bursting with savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and spices that dance on your palate. perfect dessert for Thanksgiving
Every year, our family gathers around a table laden with food that could make a food critic weep. The highlight? My Aunt Martha’s stuffing balls. They’re the kind of dish that makes you question why you ever bothered with turkey in the first place. make your own pie crust These golden orbs of joy are perfect for holiday feasts or any day you want to feel festive.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These scrumptious Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Their golden-brown crust and enticing aroma will have your guests coming back for more. Visually appealing and versatile, they can be served as a side or appetizer at any gathering. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—my friends couldn’t stop raving about how they were just like Aunt Martha’s! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Pecan Pie recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries to get that zingy tartness; avoid dried ones for this recipe.
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Onion: Finely chop a sweet onion; it adds sweetness when cooked, balancing the dish beautifully.
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Celery: Use crisp celery for crunch and aromatic flavor; wash and dice it small.
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Stuffing Mix: A classic herb stuffing mix provides great texture and flavor without much fuss.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while keeping moisture levels just right.
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Dried Herbs (Thyme & Sage): These herbs bring warmth and earthiness to each bite; fresh herbs can be substituted if available.
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Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch; toast them lightly for even more flavor.
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Eggs: Two eggs help bind everything together, ensuring your stuffing balls hold their shape during cooking.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions and celery in olive oil until softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant.
Add Ground Turkey: Stir in ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it browns. You’ll know it’s ready when there is no pink left.
Mix in Other Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture, fresh cranberries, stuffing mix, chopped pecans (if using), dried herbs, salt, pepper, and chicken broth until evenly combined.
Shape Your Stuffing Balls: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Now that you’ve created these delightful Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs-recipe-to-delight-you/”>appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences—after all, cooking should be as fun as gathering around the table!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate festive treat. They combine sweetness from cranberries with savory turkey, creating a delightful explosion of flavors. The texture is crispy on the outside yet soft inside, making every bite a joy. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
When making Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, cook the stuffing first, then form and bake the balls for even heating. ground turkey recipes for Thanksgiving This ensures everything melds beautifully without drying out.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries for fresh ones or add chopped nuts for an extra crunch. You can also try different herbs to customize flavors that suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep them crispy.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Keep your turkey mixture moist by adding a splash of broth if it feels dry. Form balls tightly so they hold together when cooking. Always taste before baking; adjusting seasoning makes all the difference! [/info_box]
Thanksgiving was always a chaotic event in my house, but those stuffing balls? Legendary! My grandmother would sneak one or two before they hit the table, claiming it was “quality control.”
FAQ
Can I make Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day prior and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for turkey in this recipe?
Ground chicken or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils work wonderfully as substitutes.
How long do Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls last?
They last up to four days in the fridge when stored correctly in an airtight container.
Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect addition to your holiday feast. These delightful bites combine savory ground turkey, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that will impress your guests. With a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside, they’re ideal as appetizers or side dishes. Easy to prepare and full of festive flavors, these stuffing balls will soon become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cups herb stuffing mix
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and celery in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey; cook until no longer pink.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked turkey with cranberries, stuffing mix, pecans (if using), herbs, salt, pepper, and chicken broth until combined.
- Form mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls (90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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