Simple Cranberry Turkey Balls

Category: Quick and Easy Appetizers

These little turkey balls pack holiday flavors into each bite. Made with stuffing mix, dried cranberries, and ground turkey, they’re perfect for parties or as a side dish. You can even make them ahead and freeze them for later!

Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:06:42 GMT
Close-up of fluffy stuffing balls with herbs and cranberries on a plate. Pin
Close-up of fluffy stuffing balls with herbs and cranberries on a plate. | thefamilycooks.com

These tasty turkey and cranberry balls pack all those warm holiday flavors in just one bite! Turn your everyday stuffing into grab-and-go treats that work great as starters or sides. This easy ball recipe mixes turkey, dried cranberries, and traditional herbs for a festive spin that'll quickly become your holiday must-have.

Delightful Holiday Nibbles

Everyone will enjoy this fresh spin on traditional stuffing. These sweet-savory nibbles are great for prepping ahead and they taste just as good when warmed up later. They'll wow the crowd whether you're hosting a gathering or taking them to a friend's dinner.

What You Need

  • Basic Ingredient: Ground turkey forms a solid base.
  • The Foundation: Two cups stuffing mix gives that familiar taste.
  • Festive Addition: Dried cranberries bring holiday cheer.
  • Added Moisture: Quarter cup chicken broth keeps everything juicy.
  • The Glue: One beaten egg combines all ingredients.
  • Flavor Boosters: Fresh sage and thyme add classic taste.
  • Simple Necessities: Salt and pepper as needed.
  • Final Touch: Melted butter creates a golden finish.
A black bowl filled with golden-brown meatballs garnished with parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce. Pin
A black bowl filled with golden-brown meatballs garnished with parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce. | thefamilycooks.com

Creating Your Holiday Nibbles

Mix Your Base
Stir stuffing mix with broth until well soaked. This makes the perfect foundation for your turkey and cranberry balls.
Form Carefully
Roll into equal-sized balls for even cooking. Try using a cookie scoop to get the same size every time.
Bake To Perfection
Cook at 375°F for roughly 25 minutes until they're golden outside and reach 165°F inside.

Serving Suggestions

Add some gravy on top or put cranberry sauce on the side for more flavor. These little treats work as starters or can join your main holiday meal. For a pretty display, set them on a plate with some fresh herbs and a few cranberries around them.

Expert Advice

Take your time when mixing everything together - it really helps the texture turn out right. Make the recipe your own by throwing in some chopped pecans or celery for a bit of crunch. You can get the mix ready a day early to save time during busy holiday cooking.

Storage Guide

Store any extras in a sealed container for up to three days, or stick them in the freezer for later. When warming them up, add a tiny bit of broth to keep them moist. These holiday bites are great for planning ahead since they taste wonderful even a few days after you make them.

A plate of golden-brown cranberry and herb stuffing balls garnished with chopped parsley. Pin
A plate of golden-brown cranberry and herb stuffing balls garnished with chopped parsley. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I make these in advance?

Sure! Form the balls first and freeze them raw. When ready to bake, just pop them in frozen and tack on a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ When will these be fully cooked?

The outside should look golden, and the inside temperature should hit 165°F—this ensures the turkey is properly cooked.

→ Could I replace the ground turkey with leftovers?

Leftover turkey works if you chop it finely. Just make sure there’s enough moisture to hold everything together.

→ What’s the best way to serve these?

Serve warm with cranberry sauce or gravy. They’re yummy as a starter or alongside other dishes!

→ Can I switch dried cranberries for fresh?

Stick to dried ones—they add flavor without extra moisture. Fresh cranberries might make them too wet.

Stuffing Turkey Cranberry Balls

Fluffy turkey balls with cranberries, great for gatherings. They're simple to make and freeze well too.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Appetizers

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 16 Serves (16 turkey balls)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 1 pound of ground turkey.
02 Half a cup of dried cranberries.
03 Two cups of stuffing mix.
04 One egg, already whisked.
05 1/4 cup chicken stock.
06 A quarter cup of melted butter (optional).
07 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and sage.
08 Add salt and pepper as needed.
09 Gravy, if you want extra flavor while serving.
10 Cranberry sauce (optional with your meal).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 03

Throw the turkey, dry cranberries, spice mix, stuffing, broth, beaten egg, sage, and thyme into a bowl, then season to taste and mix well.

Step 04

Scoop the mix into small balls, around the size of a golf ball. Set on the tray and brush with butter if you'd like.

Step 05

Bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until you see them cooked through and golden.

Step 06

Serve while hot, adding gravy and cranberry sauce if that's your thing.

Additional Notes

  1. Pop unbaked balls in the freezer if you aren't ready to cook them.
  2. Toss in some celery or diced onion for more punch.
  3. Turkey should hit at least 165°F inside for safety.
  4. Stick with dry cranberries so they don’t make it soggy.

Essential Tools

  • A flat baking tray.
  • Some parchment paper.
  • Big bowl for mixing.
  • A brush for buttering (optional).

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat from the stuffing mix.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Butter adds dairy if used.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 8 g