Description
Delicious Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls that can be baked or air-fried. These savory and slightly sweet bites combine tender cooked turkey, dried cranberries, sautéed vegetables, and herbs, all bound together with breadcrumbs and egg. Perfect as a festive appetizer or side dish, they offer a delightful twist on traditional stuffing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped cooked turkey
- 1 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: oil spray for baking or air frying
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked turkey, dry breadcrumbs, chopped dried cranberries, fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture, beaten egg, and 1/3 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to the bowl. Mix well to combine. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly and does not hold together when pressed, add the additional chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is cohesive.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up, which will make shaping the balls easier and help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Shape Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll each portion into a ball by hand. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking or on an oiled air fryer tray if air frying.
- Cook: For Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffing balls for 22 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. For Air Fryer: Preheat to 360°F (182°C). Cook the balls for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls warm, alongside gravy, cranberry sauce, or as part of your holiday meal plate.
Notes
- Adding broth gradually helps achieve the perfect consistency for shaping.
- You can make the mixture ahead and keep it refrigerated before cooking.
- Use fresh turkey for best flavor, leftover roasted turkey works great.
- Oil spray can help to crisp up the balls during baking or air frying.
- These can be served as appetizers or a side dish to holiday meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
