Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe – Perfect for Holidays!
Hey there! So, this recipe for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is something I stumbled upon a few years back when I (accidentally) bought way too many cranberries during a holiday sale. I needed to find creative ways to use them up before they went bad. Isn’t it funny how sometimes our best recipes come from a little chaos in the kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This
I usually whip these up when I’m hosting holiday dinners because my family absolutely devours them (and they’re super easy to make, which is a win in my book). The mixture of savory turkey and the tartness of cranberries just makes people go wild. Honestly, I once forgot to add the cranberries and let’s just say… not my best work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground turkey (sometimes I sneak in chicken if that’s what I have on hand)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (any brand works, though my grandma swore by one I can’t even find now)
- 2 cups stuffing mix (the pre-seasoned kind is a lifesaver!)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water, in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your oven’s anything like mine, it’ll take a little longer, so plan accordingly.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. This is the part where I usually sneak a little taste – don’t judge!
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres. They might look a bit funny, but trust me, it all works out.
- Place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Some Handy Notes
I’ve found that letting the mixture sit for a few minutes before shaping can make the balls hold together better. Also, don’t be shy with the cranberries; they add a lovely burst of flavor.
Variations I’ve Tried
I once tried adding mashed sweet potatoes to the mix, thinking it would be brilliant. It wasn’t. But adding a few chopped pecans? Now that’s a game-changer!
What If You Don’t Have the Right Equipment?
No worries if you don’t have a proper baking sheet. I’ve used my trusty old pizza pan more times than I’d care to admit.
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
These keep well in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
Try serving with a drizzle of gravy or alongside some creamy mashed potatoes – it’s practically a tradition at my house now.
Pro Tips (From My Mistakes)
Don’t rush the mixing step. I once skipped it and ended up with unevenly seasoned balls – not fun! Patience, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries? A: Probably, but they might be a bit too tart. Dried ones are my go-to.
Q: What if I’m out of chicken broth? A: Just use water, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning.
If you’re curious about other holiday recipes, check out some great ideas here and get inspired! Also, for a deeper dive into stuffing variations, this guide is a fun read.
