Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful twist on your holiday side dish, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe. These little bites combine the comforting nostalgia of turkey stuffing with tart bursts of cranberry, all shaped into fun, bite-sized balls that are just as perfect for a party appetizer as they are for the dinner table. Whether you bake them or air-fry them, they come out golden, crispy, and utterly addictive—I honestly can’t get enough!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role to build those comforting flavors and pleasing textures. Plus, these are simple pantry staples, but don’t skip on using fresh herbs and quality turkey—it truly makes a difference. I usually pick leftover turkey for this one and mix it with tart cranberries for balance.

• Cooked turkey: Finely chopped, preferably dark meat for moisture and flavor.
• Plain dry breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture and add a nice texture.
• Dried cranberries: Chop them so they’re evenly distributed; they add that perfect sweet-tart burst.
• Egg: Lightly beaten, it acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Onion: Finely diced and sautéed until soft for added sweetness.
• Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped—it brightens the whole dish with freshness.
• Dried thyme: Offers a lovely herbal aroma that’s essential in stuffing.
• Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance the flavors.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture; add just enough to hold the balls together.
• Olive oil or unsalted butter: For sautéing vegetables, choose whichever you prefer.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe is—once you nail the base, feel free to get creative with add-ins or substitutions that suit your taste and dietary needs.

• Add nuts or seeds: I’ve added toasted pecans before for extra crunch and my family went crazy for that added texture.
• Herb swaps: Rosemary or sage can bring a different aromatic flair if thyme isn’t your thing.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Vegan option: Replace turkey with chopped mushrooms and omit the egg, adding flaxseed meal or a vegan binder instead.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables to Bring Out Their Sweetness

Start by heating your olive oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Toss in the diced onions and celery, then cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is key because it mellows the raw bite and adds a natural sweetness that really rounds out the flavor. Let them cool slightly before mixing them in so they don’t cook the egg prematurely.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffing Texture

In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped dried cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly. Adding those cranberries here means every bite gets a hint of tartness alongside familiar herbaceous notes.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Wet Ingredients

To the mixture, add the cooled sautéed veggies, beaten egg, and start by pouring in 1/3 cup of the low-sodium chicken broth. Mix well—if your mixture feels too dry or crumbly when pressed, add extra broth one tablespoon at a time until everything sticks together nicely. This step is where you can really control the consistency, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Chill the Mixture (Optional but Helpful!)

For best results, I like to pop the mixture into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the balls and makes shaping easier. But if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it; just be mindful that the balls might be a bit more fragile.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare for Cooking

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into tight balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you’re baking or on your air fryer tray if you’re air-frying. I like to give them a light spray of oil to help them crisp up beautifully, especially in the air fryer.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden and Delicious

If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway for even browning—look for a golden exterior and firm texture. For air frying, preheat to 360°F (182°C), then cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll find the air fryer method yields an irresistible crisp outside while keeping the inside tender.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving—that splash of green adds freshness and looks so inviting. Sometimes, I even add a drizzle of warm gravy or a side dollop of cranberry sauce to tie the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These stuffing balls pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad. For holidays, I serve them alongside my classic turkey and mashed sweet potatoes—my family goes crazy for this combo every year!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, I arrange the balls on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. Another fun idea is skewering a couple onto cocktail picks with a sprig of rosemary—easy to grab and impressively pretty on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffing balls store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I have leftovers, I make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked balls—placed on a tray so they don’t touch, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This lets me bake them fresh whenever I want holiday flavor without fuss. Frozen balls keep up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispness, or air-fry them for 5-6 minutes. Microwaving works but can make them a bit soft, so avoid unless you’re in a serious hurry!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls (Baked or Air-Fried) Recipe combines family-favorite flavors into a fun, easy-to-eat format. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple it was to transform leftover turkey and basic pantry staples into something festive and impressive. My family goes crazy for these every holiday season, and now I’m happy to share this gem with you. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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