If there’s one holiday recipe that instantly feels like comfort and tradition all rolled into one bite, it’s these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. They’re savory, slightly sweet, golden on the outside, and tender on the inside — the perfect appetizer or side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive family dinner. What I love most is how they transform leftover turkey and stuffing into something new, fun, and downright irresistible.

The inspiration for these came after one too many post-holiday meals of reheated stuffing and sliced turkey. Don’t get me wrong — leftovers are a gift — but sometimes you just want them to feel exciting again. That’s when I decided to scoop stuffing into balls, fold in chopped turkey and cranberries, and bake them until crisp. What came out of the oven was so good that my family begged me to make them not just after Thanksgiving, but year-round.

These little bites are also wonderfully versatile. Serve them with turkey gravy as a hearty side dish, drizzle with cranberry sauce for a festive appetizer, or pile them onto a holiday platter as a snack that disappears in minutes. They have the heartiness of stuffing, the protein of turkey, and the festive tang of cranberries — basically everything you love about the holidays packed into one bite.

Whether you’re making them as a way to use up leftovers, or baking them fresh for your holiday spread, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deserve a permanent spot in your recipe box. They’re cozy, flavorful, and the kind of recipe that sparks conversations around the table.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfect use for holiday leftovers: A smart and delicious way to repurpose stuffing and turkey.

• Festive flavor combo: The sweet-tart cranberries brighten up the savory stuffing and turkey beautifully.

• Make-ahead friendly: Prep them in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.

• Kid-approved: Bite-sized and fun, even picky eaters enjoy them.

• Versatile serving options: Appetizer, snack, side dish, or even tucked into a lunchbox.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Stuffing: Use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, or make a quick stovetop version if you don’t have leftovers. Moist stuffing holds together best — if yours is dry, add a splash of chicken broth before forming balls.

• Cooked turkey: Both white and dark meat work. Dice it small so it blends evenly with the stuffing. Chicken can be used if you’re not working with leftovers.

• Dried cranberries: Sweetened dried cranberries add festive color and tang. If you prefer fresh cranberries, chop and sauté them briefly with a touch of sugar to soften their tartness.

• Eggs: Act as a binder to keep the stuffing balls from crumbling apart.

• Chicken or turkey broth: A little extra moisture keeps the stuffing balls tender.

• Butter: Brushed on top before baking, it helps them crisp up and adds richness.

• Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, sage, or thyme deepen the holiday flavors.

• Optional cheese: Parmesan or cheddar folded in makes them extra savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare
   Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

   

   

2. Mix the base
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of stuffing, 1 ½ cups diced cooked turkey, and ½ cup dried cranberries. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. Bind the mixture
   Whisk 2 eggs with ¼ cup chicken broth. Pour into the stuffing mixture and gently fold together. The mixture should hold when pressed — if it’s too dry, add more broth, one tablespoon at a time.

   

4. Form the balls
   Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

5. Add finishing touches
   Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the stuffing balls. This step helps them bake up golden and crisp.

6. Bake to perfection
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the balls are firm, heated through, and lightly browned on the outside.

7. Serve and enjoy
   Transfer to a platter and serve warm. Pair with turkey gravy for dipping or a drizzle of cranberry sauce for added holiday flair.

FAQ

Can I use boxed stuffing mix?
Yes! If you don’t have homemade stuffing, boxed stuffing like Stove Top works perfectly. Just prepare it according to package directions before mixing.

Do I have to use turkey?
Not at all. Shredded chicken is a great substitute, and even cooked sausage or ham can work for a twist.

How do I keep them from falling apart?
The key is moisture and binding. Make sure your stuffing isn’t too dry, and don’t skip the eggs. Adding broth until the mixture holds together easily is essential.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Form the balls, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, brush with butter and cook as directed.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unbaked stuffing balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time.

What sauce goes best with them?
Classic turkey gravy or cranberry sauce are traditional favorites, but honey mustard or ranch can be fun dipping sauces too.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.

• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked stuffing balls for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen without thawing to avoid sogginess.

Variations

• Cheesy stuffing balls: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan before forming balls.

• Herb lovers: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor.

• Sweet & savory: Mix in chopped apples or pears along with the cranberries.

• Meat swap: Try sausage instead of turkey for a breakfast-style version.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade gluten-free bread cubes.

This recipe for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is the ultimate holiday hack that feels gourmet while being incredibly simple. With savory turkey, festive cranberries, and the cozy flavor of stuffing all in one bite, they’re a guaranteed hit for gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights in.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe is a festive holiday favorite—savory stuffing mixed with tender turkey and sweet cranberries, rolled into bite-sized balls and baked until golden. A perfect appetizer, side dish, or way to use Thanksgiving leftovers!

No ratings yet

 Print  Pin  Rate

Prep Time: 20minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey finely chopped or shredded
• 4 cups prepared stuffing your favorite homemade or boxed mix, cooled
• 1 cup dried cranberries or chopped fresh cranberries
  
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• ¼ cup chicken or turkey broth add more if mixture is too dry
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing tops

Get Ingredients

Instructions

• Preheat Oven
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the Base
• In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
• Add Binders
• Stir in shredded cheese, beaten eggs, parsley, and broth until the mixture holds together. Add a little extra broth if it feels too dry.
• Season
• Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Shape Balls
• Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, form mixture into balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake
• Brush tops with melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and warmed through.
• Serve
• Serve hot with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.