Description
These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful twist on traditional stuffing, combining lean ground turkey with savory herbs and sweet cranberries. Perfect as a festive appetizer or a tasty side dish, they offer a balanced mix of flavors and textures baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Produce & Herbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Pantry
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or additional oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, the sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, dried sage, and dried thyme. Mix them lightly to distribute evenly.
- Mix Egg and Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs and chicken broth until well combined.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour the egg and broth mixture into the turkey mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is uniformly blended.
- Shape Balls: Using clean hands or a melon baller, form the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch diameter balls and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are golden on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and to ensure safe eating temperature.
Notes
- Using either fresh or dried cranberries works well; dried cranberries will offer a concentrated sweetness.
- The stuffing mix can be substituted with gluten-free stuffing if desired.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the tops of the balls with cooking spray before baking.
- These can be made ahead and reheated before serving for convenience.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the stuffing balls reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.