These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are flavorful, bite-sized morsels packed with savory turkey, tender stuffing, and bursts of tangy cranberry. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect appetizer, side, or festive snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful & festive – turkey and cranberries deliver savory-sweet harmony
Easy to make – simple mixing, rolling, and baking—no frying
Crowd-pleaser – perfect for parties, gatherings, or holiday sides
Make-ahead friendly – prep ahead and bake just before serving

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
2 cups prepared stuffing (any style)
¾ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
½ cup finely diced onion
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried sage (or 1 tsp fresh)
1 large egg, beaten
2–3 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (for brushing)

directions

Preheat oven
Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
Mix ingredients
In a large bowl, combine chopped turkey, stuffing, cranberries, onion, garlic powder, sage, and beaten egg until everything is evenly mixed.
Form balls
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into 1½-inch balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush and bake
Lightly brush or spray the balls with oil. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and heated through.
Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as-is or with dipping options like gravy, cranberry chutney, or honey mustard.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16–20 balls (4–5 servings)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Gravy bite: Serve with warm turkey gravy for dipping
Cheesy version: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss into the mix
Herb boost: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
Stuffing options: Use cornbread stuffing or gluten-free crumbs

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze on a tray until firm, then package—use within 2 months
Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of cooked turkey?

Yes—cook seasoned ground turkey first, cool slightly, then mix with stuffing and other ingredients.

Are these gluten‑free?

Only if you use gluten-free stuffing. Caution: some dried cranberries may contain gluten; check labels.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble balls and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

What dipping sauces go best?

Try warm gravy, cranberry chutney, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Can I bake without oil?

Yes—use a light cooking spray or parchment lining to keep them from sticking.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—finely diced celery, carrot, or bell pepper can be mixed in for extra crunch and flavor.

How do I keep them moist?

Don’t overbake—aim for golden brown exterior but slightly tender interior.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Yes—adjust cooking time for oversized or mini versions accordingly.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely—flavors are mild and familiar, and they’re easy to pop into mouths without mess.

Can I skip the egg?

The egg helps bind the mixture. For egg-free, use a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water).

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver savory, comforting flavors in convenient bite-sized form. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying leftovers, these easy, festive bites are a crowd favorite that work any time of year. Enjoy the savory-sweet combo in every cozy bite!