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All those cozy flavors you love during the holidays come together in these cranberry and turkey stuffing balls. With this easy twist, you’ll turn classic stuffing into tasty little bites everyone will want more of. You’ve got juicy turkey, tangy cranberries, and some herbs—all wrapped up in a snack that’s great for sharing or as a fun side.
Tasty Holiday Morsels
This is a fun spin on old-school cranberry stuffing. They’re awesome for prepping ahead of time—you can reheat them and they’re still great. Bring them to a gathering or serve them at home and you’ll get rave reviews either way.
Stuff You’ll Need
- Must-Have Protein: Ground turkey adds a filling bite.
- Flavor Backbone: Grab two cups of stuffing mix for that holiday feel.
- Festive Bite: Dried cranberries keep things interesting and sweet.
- Stay Moist: Pour in a quarter cup of chicken broth so they don’t dry out.
- Hold It All Together: Crack an egg and beat it to bind everything.
- Fresh Herbs: Chop up thyme and sage for classic flavor vibes.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but important for the taste.
- Finishing Touch: Brush on some melted butter for a nice golden finish.
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How to Pull It All Together
- Bake Till Done
- Pop in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes. You want them golden with an inside temp of 165°F.
- Shape Before You Bake
- Use a scoop or your hands to make sure each ball is roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Mix Thoroughly
- Pour the broth over stuffing mix and stir until it’s nice and soft—that’s your base right there.
Ways to Serve
Top these bites with a little gravy or serve them next to some cranberry sauce for extra zing. They’re great for starters or can hang out with your main meal. If you want them to look extra special, put them out on a platter scattered with extra cranberries and herb sprigs.
Helpful Tricks
Give everything a good mix—don’t shortchange this step if you want the right texture. Toss chopped celery or nuts in there if you’re feeling fancy. The best part: you can prep the mixture the night before so you’re not scrambling later.
Keeping Them Fresh
Pop any leftovers in an airtight box and they’ll stay good for up to three days—or freeze ‘em for later. When you warm them up, a splash of broth helps bring back their juiciness. These bites are clutch for meal prepping since they taste just as good after a few days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these early?
Absolutely! Shape them and freeze uncooked. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen and add a few more minutes to oven time.
- → How can I tell if they’re ready?
Look for a golden exterior and check the inside temp—165°F is safe for turkey.
- → Can I swap ground turkey for leftovers?
If using cooked turkey, chop it finely, but make sure there's enough moisture to hold everything together.
- → What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce. They’re perfect as snacks or sides.
- → Can I substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Stick to dried cranberries. Fresh ones are too moist and could mess up the texture. Dried cranberries also pack more flavor.