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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → 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.