Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Are you looking for a delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers? Look no further than these delightful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! Perfect for transforming extra turkey and bread into savory bite-sized treats, these stuffing balls are a must-have for any festive gathering. The marriage of tangy cranberries, succulent turkey, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Crafted on a whim to breathe new life into post-Thanksgiving meals, these stuffing balls have become a beloved tradition in my household. The star ingredient, dried cranberries, adds a pop of color and sweetness that elevates each bite. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack or a party appetizer, these stuffing balls are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

For a unique twist, try serving these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls over a bed of fresh greens or as sliders in dinner rolls. And don’t forget to pair them with gravy and extra cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Embrace the time-honored tradition of stuffing in a modern and convenient form with these delicious stuffing balls that are bound to disappear fast at your next gathering!

Quick Benefits

• Creative way to use holiday leftovers
• Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party finger food
• Bursting with a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and savory turkey
• Can be made in advance and reheated for convenience

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites Recipe

• Flavorful Holiday Leftover Transformation: This recipe helps you make the most out of holiday leftovers by turning extra turkey and bread into flavorful and bite-sized treats.
• Versatile Snack or Side Dish: These stuffing balls can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or even as finger food during gatherings, making them versatile for various occasions.
• Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory: The tangy cranberries combined with savory turkey, herbs, and soft bread create a dish that hits all the comforting notes, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly and Picky Eater Approved: Even picky eaters enjoy these stuffing balls, making them a hit with both adults and children.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: The stuffing balls can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and frozen for up to two months, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy them whenever you like.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by using different meats like chicken or roast beef, swapping cranberries for raisins or apricots, or using whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, making it adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Creative Serving Ideas: These stuffing balls can be served in various ways, such as over salad greens, tucked into dinner rolls, or skewered with gravy and cranberry sauce, allowing you to get creative with presentation.
• Modern Twist on a Classic Dish: This recipe offers a modern take on traditional stuffing, showcasing the practical resourcefulness of classic home cooking while turning humble ingredients into something special.
• Crowd-Pleasing and Seconds-Worthy: These stuffing balls are guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds at any gathering, making them a popular and beloved dish to share with friends and family.

Ingredients for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Main Components

• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
• 50 grams celery, diced
• 240 grams bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 60 milliliters chicken broth
• 150 grams cooked turkey, shredded
• 65 grams dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 80 grams onion, finely diced

Pro Tips for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Pro Tip 1: When mixing the ingredients, make sure to add enough chicken broth to achieve a moist texture. If the mixture feels dry, gradually add more broth until it reaches the desired consistency. This will help keep the stuffing balls tender and flavorful.

Pro Tip 2: While shredded roasted turkey is ideal for this recipe, feel free to use deli turkey or cooked chicken as convenient substitutes. The key is to use what you have on hand to make the most of your holiday leftovers without compromising on taste.

Pro Tip 3: To serve these cranberry turkey stuffing balls, consider pairing them with warm gravy or cranberry sauce for a delightful flavor combination. Whether as a side dish or a festive appetizer, these stuffing balls are versatile and sure to impress your guests.

How to Make Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray

Preheat oven to 190°C and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine bread crumbs, shredded turkey, cranberries, onion, celery, and parsley in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season

Combine dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in the bowl and mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.

Step 4: Moisten and Bind

Pour chicken broth into the mixture, then stir in the egg until well combined. Gradually add more broth if needed for a cohesive texture.

Step 5: Shape Stuffing Balls

Divide the mixture into 2-tablespoon portions, roll each into a ball, and place them on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25 minutes, or until stuffing balls are golden and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These stuffing balls reheat well in the oven or microwave for a quick snack or meal. If you wish to freeze them, arrange the baked and cooled balls in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. To serve from frozen, simply reheat them in a hot oven until warmed through.

For a twist on the original recipe, you can substitute the cooked turkey with cooked chicken or leftover roast beef. Additionally, you can swap out the dried cranberries for golden raisins or chopped apricots to create a unique flavor profile. Whole wheat or gluten-free bread crumbs can also be used, ensuring they have a fine crumb texture. These stuffing balls are versatile and can be served on their own, over fresh salad greens, tucked into dinner rolls, or skewered with gravy and extra cranberry sauce as accompaniments at holiday gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cooked turkey on hand, you can easily substitute it with shredded cooked chicken or even leftover roast beef for a different flavor profile. The key is to use a cooked protein that pairs well with the other ingredients in the stuffing balls.

In place of dried cranberries, you can experiment with other dried fruits like golden raisins or chopped apricots to add a unique twist to the recipe. These substitutions will still provide a sweet and tangy element that complements the savory flavors in the stuffing balls.

For a dietary restriction or preference, feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free bread crumbs as a substitute. Just ensure the texture is finely ground for the right consistency in the stuffing mixture. This adjustment allows you to cater to different dietary needs without compromising the overall deliciousness of the cranberry turkey stuffing balls.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try placing these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces like cranberry sauce, gravy, and even a tangy mustard. This interactive setup allows guests to mix and match flavors, creating a personalized experience with each bite. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or cranberry garnish on top for a festive touch that adds a pop of color to your holiday spread.

Another fun idea is to skewer these stuffing balls with a toothpick along with a small cube of cheese and a grape tomato to create a colorful and tasty appetizer platter. The combination of flavors – the savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and tangy cheese – will tantalize your taste buds and make for a visually appealing presentation. It’s a simple yet elegant way to showcase these delicious stuffing balls at your next gathering.

FAQs for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Bites

Can I make these stuffing balls in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare and bake the stuffing balls in advance, then reheat gently before serving to keep them moist.

What can I use as a substitute for turkey in this recipe?

Shredded roasted turkey works best, but deli turkey or even cooked chicken can be used as substitutes for convenience.

How should I serve these stuffing balls?

Serve them warm alongside gravy or cranberry sauce. They make a great side or can be enjoyed as a festive appetizer.

Is this version of the recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this version is dairy-free. Ensure all ingredients, especially bread crumbs, are dairy-free as well.

Conclusion

As you gather around the table with loved ones, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. The melding of flavors in each bite is a celebration of the festive season and a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring. Whether you make them for a casual family dinner or a lively holiday party, these stuffing balls are a delightful addition to any menu.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experiment with different meats, fruits, and herbs to put your own twist on these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Let your imagination run wild and see what delicious combinations you can come up with. Embrace the spirit of culinary exploration and make each batch a new and exciting culinary adventure. Here’s to many more memorable meals filled with the warmth and charm of homemade Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.