Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Holiday Leftover Makeover

When the holiday table has been cleared and containers of leftovers fill the fridge, creativity becomes your greatest kitchen ally. Instead of reheating the same plate for the third day in a row, transform those festive flavors into something entirely new: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

These savory, golden-baked bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with classic holiday flavors — juicy turkey, herby stuffing, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic vegetables. Whether you’re searching for the best leftover turkey recipe, planning Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, or simply craving a cozy baked stuffing balls recipe, this dish checks every box.

Perfect as a holiday party finger food, casual family snack, or even a light dinner paired with salad and gravy, these stuffing balls bring warmth, comfort, and convenience to your kitchen.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make them perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning leftovers into a dish that feels brand new.

These baked stuffing balls are:

• Quick to prepare using pre-cooked turkey
• Perfect for meal prep
• Easy to freeze and reheat
• Crowd-pleasing for holiday gatherings
• Kid-friendly and portable
• Full of balanced sweet and savory flavor

The combination of tender turkey and sweet cranberries creates a delicious contrast that elevates traditional stuffing. Each bite delivers comforting herbs, subtle sweetness, and a crisp golden crust.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped
• 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and celery in a small amount of olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine the Base Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, sautéed vegetables, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Binding Ingredients
   Add the egg and chicken broth. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of broth at a time.
5. Shape into Balls
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into compact balls, about golf-ball size.
6. Coat for Crispiness
   Roll each ball lightly in breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
7. Bake to Perfection
   Arrange on the baking sheet and brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
8. Rest and Serve
   Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Savory baked stuffing balls made with turkey, herbs, and sweet cranberries — perfect for holiday leftovers or party appetizers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stuffing Balls

• 3 cups cooked turkey finely chopped
• 2 cups prepared stuffing
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1 stalk celery finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 egg large
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp dried sage
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs for coating
• 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté onion and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Combine turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in egg and broth until mixture holds together.
5. Form into balls and roll in breadcrumbs.
6. Brush lightly with butter or oil and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
7. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Great for using holiday leftovers. Freeze before or after baking for convenience.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The key to amazing cranberry turkey stuffing balls lies in moisture balance.

Too dry? They crumble.
Too wet? They become dense.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Use finely chopped turkey to ensure even binding.
• Don’t skip the egg — it acts as the glue.
• Add broth gradually.
• Press firmly when shaping.

You want a mixture that feels slightly moist but holds its shape.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

These stuffing balls are perfect for prepping in advance.

Make Ahead:

• Prepare and shape balls.
• Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze Before Baking:

• Place shaped balls on a tray.
• Freeze until solid.
• Transfer to freezer-safe bag.
• Bake directly from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes).

Freeze After Baking:

• Cool completely.
• Store in airtight container.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.

They maintain flavor and texture beautifully.

Flavor Variations

While the classic version is incredible, you can easily customize:

1. Cheesy Holiday Bites

Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan.

2. Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Nutty Texture

Mix in ¼ cup finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.

4. Herb Boost

Use fresh rosemary for a bold aroma.

5. Gluten-Free Version

Substitute gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry turkey stuffing balls are incredibly versatile:

• Serve as Thanksgiving appetizer ideas alongside a charcuterie board.
• Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comfort dinner.
• Add to a holiday brunch platter.
• Tuck into mini slider buns with cranberry sauce.
• Serve with honey mustard dip for a party-friendly snack.

They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday potluck table.

Why Cranberries Make This Dish Special

Cranberries aren’t just festive — they’re flavor enhancers.

Their natural tartness cuts through the richness of turkey and stuffing. This balance keeps the dish from feeling heavy and adds brightness.

Using dried cranberries ensures concentrated flavor without excess moisture, making them ideal for baked stuffing balls.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, this recipe provides:

• Lean protein from turkey
• Fiber from stuffing and vegetables
• Antioxidants from cranberries
• Moderate calorie portion control thanks to bite-sized servings

Each serving is satisfying without feeling overly rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
Prepare boxed stuffing according to package directions and let cool before mixing.

Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How long do they last?
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Expert Tips for Success

• Chop turkey finely for best texture.
• Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
• Avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
• Bake until just golden to prevent dryness.
• Let them rest 5 minutes before serving.

A New Holiday Tradition

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls aren’t just a clever leftover solution — they’re a recipe worth making intentionally. Many families now prepare extra turkey specifically to make these the next day.

They capture everything we love about holiday comfort food in a single bite: warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of sweetness.

If you’re looking for baked stuffing balls that are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this is the recipe to bookmark.