Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
If you’re looking for the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are about to become your new favorite recipe.
I can’t get enough of how these little morsels combine all the best flavors of Thanksgiving in each bite-sized morsel. The sweet-tart cranberries perfectly balance the savory turkey and stuffing, while the melted cheese adds that gooey factor we all crave.
They’re incredibly versatile too—serve them as appetizers, pop them into lunch boxes, or pair with a simple salad for a quick dinner. And the best part? They take just minutes to prepare.
What Ingredients are in Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
These stuffing balls are the perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into something extraordinary—or a reason to cook turkey any time of year!
I love how flexible this recipe is, letting you use either homemade stuffing from your favorite recipe or a convenient boxed mix. The combination of savory turkey with tart cranberries creates that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes these little bites absolutely irresistible.
- 3 cups cooked stuffing (homemade or from a box mix)
- 1½ cups finely chopped cooked turkey
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
When it comes to the ingredients, don’t be afraid to make substitutions based on what you have on hand.
Turkey can be swapped for chicken if that’s what’s in your fridge, and the cheese variety can be whatever melts well—I’ve even used a combination of cheese ends with delicious results.
The dried cranberries provide that signature holiday flavor, but dried cherries or even chopped dried apricots could work in a pinch.
And while the dried sage adds that classic stuffing aroma, it’s completely optional if you prefer a simpler flavor profile or if your prepared stuffing is already well-seasoned.
How to Make These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Making these flavorful little bites couldn’t be easier. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking sheet with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much simpler—trust me, your future self will thank you.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cooked stuffing, 1½ cups of finely chopped cooked turkey, ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries, and ½ cup of shredded cheese. The stuffing forms the base, while the turkey adds protein and the cranberries provide little bursts of tangy sweetness.
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with ½ teaspoon dried sage if you’re using it. Season with salt and black pepper to taste—I like to be generous with the pepper for a bit of kick. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and add the lightly beaten egg, then stir everything together until the mixture holds its shape when pressed. The egg acts as a binding agent here, helping everything stick together during baking.
Now comes the fun part—shaping the balls! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time (a cookie scoop works perfectly for this) and gently roll between your palms to form golf ball-sized spheres. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between each.
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and heated through. The cheese inside will get all melty and delicious, and your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma. Can anything beat the smell of sage and garlic on a chilly day?
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls is already delicious, don’t feel bound to follow it exactly as written.
I’ve made these with chicken when turkey wasn’t in my fridge, and they turned out wonderfully.
Try dried cherries or chopped apples instead of cranberries for a different sweet note.
Vegetarians can swap the turkey for sautéed mushrooms—trust me, they provide that lovely umami flavor.
The cheese is totally flexible too.
Gruyère adds a nutty richness, while pepper jack brings a spicy kick.
And herbs? Go wild.
Rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg can transform these little bites into your own signature appetizer.
What to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Now that you’ve mastered the art of customizing these savory little treats, let’s talk about what pairs perfectly with them on your plate.
I love serving these stuffing balls with a drizzle of cranberry sauce or gravy—they’re like little sponges for flavor.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted vegetables add a nutritious complement.
For holiday meals, I place them alongside mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.
Want an appetizer approach? Serve with toothpicks and a tangy dipping sauce.
My family goes wild when I offer them with mulled cider or a glass of pinot noir.
Final Thoughts
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls have become my go-to solution for holiday leftovers that nobody gets bored with.
I’ve found that transforming yesterday’s feast into these savory-sweet bites breathes new life into Thanksgiving staples that might otherwise languish in the fridge.
What I love most is their versatility—perfect for a quick lunch, hearty snack, or even served at casual gatherings.
The combination of tangy cranberries with rich turkey and familiar stuffing flavors creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
Trust me, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain turkey sandwiches all those years.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked stuffing, chopped turkey, dried cranberries, and shredded cheese.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in melted butter and beaten egg.
- Stir everything together until the mixture holds its shape when pressed.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture at a time and roll between your palms to form golf ball-sized spheres.
- Place balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and heated through.
