Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls 8 Easy Festive Treats

Name: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried sage; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 large eggs; ½ cup chicken broth; Olive oil, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that can win over picky eaters, rescue you from last-minute holiday stress, and still look like you put in way more effort than you actually did—it’s these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They’re basically Thanksgiving dinner rolled up into bite-sized comfort bombs. Juicy ground turkey, tart cranberries, warm herbs, and golden breadcrumbs come together to make a dish that feels festive but fits just as easily into a weeknight dinner rotation.

And the best part? They bake up in under 30 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time sipping cider, catching up with family, or—let’s be real—finally sneaking in that Netflix episode you’ve been pausing for three days.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Perfect holiday side dish: They look fancy enough for the Thanksgiving table but are secretly so simple to throw together.
Great for meal prep: Bake a batch, stash them in the fridge, and you’ve got lunch or snack-ready protein bites all week.
Kid-friendly (and husband-approved): Sweet cranberries mellow out the savory turkey, making these a hit even with those “I don’t like stuffing” folks.
Freezer-friendly: Pop extras in the freezer for a cozy, no-fuss meal later.

Trust me—once you try them, you’ll wonder how your holiday menu ever survived without these little gems.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 large eggs
½ cup chicken broth
Olive oil, for drizzling

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat the oven
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it plenty of time to heat up while you prep the mixture. Pro tip: popping your stuffing balls into a fully preheated oven helps them cook evenly and get that golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Build your flavor-packed base
Grab a big mixing bowl (the one you usually save for salad-for-a-crowd). Add the breadcrumbs, fresh cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until the herbs are evenly distributed and the cranberries are nestled in like little jewels. This is where the cozy holiday aroma starts to hit—you might get that “grandma’s kitchen” vibe already.

Step 3: Add the turkey and bind it all together
Now, fold in the ground turkey, eggs, and chicken broth. Don’t be shy—use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to really work everything together. You want the mixture moist enough to hold its shape, but not so wet that it’s sticky. Think “meatball texture.” If it feels too dry, splash in a bit more broth; if it’s too loose, add a pinch of extra breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Shape into stuffing balls
Time to get rolling! Scoop about a tablespoon or two of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop if you want them all picture-perfect, but honestly, rustic and slightly uneven ones are just as charming (and equally delicious).

Step 5: Arrange for baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place your stuffing balls evenly spaced so they have a little room to breathe. Drizzle just a touch of olive oil over the tops—this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 6: Bake until golden and irresistible
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and your kitchen smells like Thanksgiving dinner rolled into one tray. If you’re not sure, cut one open—there should be no pink in the center.

Step 7: Let them rest & serve
Pull them from the oven and resist the urge to pop one straight into your mouth (I’ve learned this lesson the hard way—cranberry lava is no joke). Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, serve them warm with a little gravy, cranberry sauce, or even just on their own—they’re that good.

Tips for the Best Stuffing Balls

Too dry? Add a splash more chicken broth until the mixture binds.
Too wet? Stir in an extra sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Make them ahead: Mix and shape the balls, refrigerate, and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
Double the batch: These freeze beautifully—future you will thank you.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made these stuffing balls during a chaotic Thanksgiving where my oven space was maxed out and I needed a side dish that didn’t hog the roasting pan. Let’s just say these little bites ended up stealing the spotlight—half my family was snacking on them before the turkey even hit the table. Now, they’re a permanent part of my holiday menu.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls with golden crust and herbs served on a white plate — Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls baked to perfection—golden, tender, and packed with festive flavor in every bite.

FAQs About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Dried cranberries will give you a sweeter bite. Just soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before adding to keep them plump.

Can I swap the turkey for another meat?

Absolutely—ground chicken or pork both work well here.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Yes! Pop them in your air fryer at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Bring Comfort to Your Table

Whether you’re serving these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as a holiday appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fun meal-prep snack, they deliver comfort in every bite. They’re easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your table.

So go ahead—roll up a batch, pour yourself something cozy to sip, and let your oven (or air fryer!) do the work.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, here are a few other cozy dishes that pair beautifully or make great additions to your menu:

Try these savory and festive Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce for another seasonal spin that’s both hearty and comforting.
For a sweet finish, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the perfect fall-inspired dessert.
Pair your stuffing balls with a warm bowl of Autumn Harvest Beef Stew for the ultimate cold-weather dinner spread.
Looking for another creative ground turkey idea? This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a lighter but equally flavorful option for busy weeknights.