Easy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: 5 Irresistible Holiday Leftover Hacks

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the answer to your holiday leftover dilemma. These delightful bite-sized morsels combine the classic flavors of Thanksgiving and Christmas – tender turkey, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberries – transformed into an irresistible new dish. As someone who grew up watching my grandmother repurpose holiday leftovers into something magical, these stuffing balls hold a special place in my heart. They’re versatile enough for a main course, appetizer, or addition to your holiday spread, bringing both comfort and innovation to your table. Whether you’re looking for different Thanksgiving recipes or new Christmas ideas, these turkey and stuffing balls deliver nostalgic flavors in an exciting new format.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Perfect For Holiday Leftovers

These turkey and stuffing balls are the ultimate solution for transforming holiday leftovers into something exciting and new. Instead of serving the same reheated turkey and stuffing for days after your celebration, these balls reinvent those flavors in a way that makes family members forget they’re eating leftovers. The combination works beautifully for both Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers, making this recipe a seasonal staple you’ll return to year after year.

Versatile Serving Options

What makes these cranberry stuffing balls truly special is their versatility. Serve them as an elegant appetizer at your next holiday gathering with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. Make them larger for a satisfying main course alongside roasted vegetables. They’re perfect for holiday potlucks, family dinners, or even packed lunches. You can also prepare them in your crockpot for a hands-off approach, similar to crockpot turkey and stuffing recipes, though the oven method gives them that perfect crispy exterior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Stuffing Balls

• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• 3 cups prepared stuffing (leftover or freshly made)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup turkey gravy (helps bind the mixture)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for coating

For The Cranberry Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Preparing The Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley.
3. Add the turkey gravy, beaten egg, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
4. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed – if too dry, add a bit more gravy; if too wet, add more stuffing.
5. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stuffing to absorb the moisture.

Forming And Baking

1. Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for coating.
2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll between your palms to form a ball (about the size of a golf ball).
3. Roll each ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
4. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Lightly spray or brush the balls with olive oil to help them crisp up.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and heated through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
7. While the stuffing balls bake, prepare the cranberry dipping sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper Storage Methods

These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are perfect for make-ahead meal planning. After cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stuffing balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Properly frozen, they’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months, making them an excellent option for preserving holiday leftovers.

Best Reheating Practices

For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the exterior soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the refrigerated stuffing balls on a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For a quick lunch option, you can use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The ideal reheated stuffing ball should have a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, flavorful interior – much like chicken stuffing meatballs, which follow similar reheating principles.

FAQs About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I Make These With Chicken Instead?

Absolutely! While these are traditionally made with turkey, chicken works beautifully as a substitute. Simply swap the turkey for an equal amount of cooked, shredded chicken. The flavor profile will be slightly different but equally delicious, essentially creating chicken stuffing meatballs. This makes the recipe versatile for year-round enjoyment, not just during turkey-centric holidays. The poultry seasoning works well with both meats, maintaining that comforting, savory quality.

What If I Don’t Have Leftover Stuffing?

No leftover stuffing? No problem! You can use a box of stuffing mix prepared according to package directions. Allow it to cool completely before incorporating it into your mixture. Alternatively, you can make a quick homemade stuffing by sautéing diced celery and onions in butter, then mixing with dried bread cubes, herbs, and chicken broth. The key is ensuring your stuffing isn’t too moist before forming it into balls. For stuffing balls with gravy, the consistency needs to be just right – moist enough to hold together but not soggy.

FOR MORE RECIPES FOLLOW ME IN FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST

Conclusion: Elevate Your Holiday Leftovers

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls transform traditional holiday flavors into a versatile dish that breathes new life into leftovers. Their perfect balance of savory and sweet elements, with the tangy cranberry providing a delightful contrast to the rich turkey and herbed stuffing, makes them an instant family favorite. Whether you’re looking for different Thanksgiving recipes to use up leftovers or searching for new Christmas recipes to impress guests, these stuffing balls deliver on both flavor and presentation.