Name: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover stuffing; 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, if mixture is too moist); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Craving a way to reinvent your holiday leftovers? Or perhaps you’re just in search of the ultimate cozy appetizer with a touch of festive flair? Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are your answer—a savory-meets-sweet bite-sized comfort food dream. Whether served as a holiday snack, a post-Thanksgiving treat, or a game day crowd-pleaser, these stuffing balls are hearty, nostalgic, and shockingly simple to make.

The crisp exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful center filled with seasoned stuffing, tender turkey, and a pop of cranberry tartness in each bite. They offer all the essence of a Thanksgiving dinner rolled into one delightful handful. You don’t need a full holiday spread to enjoy them—just a mixing bowl, a few pantry staples, and an appetite for something warm and wonderful.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls without a hitch, having the right tools can make the process seamless and enjoyable:

Mixing Bowls: Use large mixing bowls to combine your stuffing, turkey, cranberries, and eggs evenly. This ensures every ball is flavorful and holds its shape.
Ice Cream Scoop or Cookie Scoop: Great for portioning equal-sized stuffing balls for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and ensures the stuffing balls crisp up evenly.
Oven or Air Fryer: Both methods work well. The oven allows for batch cooking, while the air fryer adds extra crispness in less time.
Cooling Rack (optional): Helps maintain the crispy exterior after baking or frying.

Each of these tools contributes to a smoother workflow, better texture, and more satisfying results. Investing a little attention in prep ensures these stuffing balls come out golden and perfect every time.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Leftover Stuffing: This is the hearty base of your balls. It brings all the traditional herbaceous flavors and structure to bind with the turkey.
Cooked Turkey: Use chopped or shredded turkey (white or dark meat). It adds satisfying protein and turns this into a meaty, substantial bite.
Dried Cranberries: These offer sweetness and chew, cutting through the richness with a pop of festive flavor.
Eggs: Essential for binding. Eggs help hold the mixture together during shaping and baking.
Breadcrumbs (optional): If your stuffing is too soft or moist, breadcrumbs help absorb excess moisture and create a firmer texture.
Salt and Pepper: A little seasoning rounds everything out. Adjust depending on how seasoned your stuffing and turkey already are.

How To Make the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (or set your air fryer to 370°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp bottoms.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine your stuffing, chopped turkey, cranberries, eggs, and a handful of breadcrumbs if needed. Mix with clean hands or a spoon until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to form equal portions. Roll them gently into compact balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should get 12-15 balls depending on your scoop size.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Place the balls on your lined tray or in your air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes or air fry for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly before serving. They hold together better and taste even more savory with a quick cranberry sauce dip or gravy drizzle.

Serving and Storing Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven or air fryer. Arrange them on a platter with a side of leftover cranberry sauce or a creamy gravy for dipping. They make an excellent party appetizer or a cozy snack for movie night. You can also serve them alongside a light salad for a quick lunch.

To store, let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or rewarm in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy again. They also freeze well for up to a month—perfect for planning ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?

No problem. You can make a quick stovetop stuffing mix and let it cool before mixing. Just avoid overly wet stuffing—a drier mix works better.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken makes a great substitute without changing the flavor profile much.

Do I need to chill the mixture before baking?

Not necessary unless your mix is too loose. If you find them falling apart while shaping, a 15-minute chill can help them firm up.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, shallow frying in a skillet with a bit of oil works wonderfully. Flip carefully and fry until golden on all sides.

Are these gluten-free?

That depends on your stuffing and breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free versions of both to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, honey mustard, or even a spiced aioli work beautifully depending on the occasion.

Want More Holiday Appetizer Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole, a fun finger-food twist with crispy textures and bold flavors. Or dive into the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, which delivers indulgence in every bite.

For cozy weeknight comfort, try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe – it’s a spicy layered bake with just the right balance of heat. If you’re leaning toward soup and snacking, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup pairs well with these stuffing balls for a full festive spread.

Need a fresh, crunchy side? The Italian Grinder Salad adds a punchy, deli-style mix of textures to round out your meal beautifully.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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When you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you use dark meat? Did you go air fryer or oven? Leave a comment below. I love seeing the creative ways you make LadyPlate recipes your own.

You can find more of my daily recipes over on Pinterest – LadyPlate. Come join me for more cozy bites and creative meal ideas!

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12–15 stuffing balls

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Description

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate way to enjoy leftover holiday flavors in one delicious bite. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside savory snacks are packed with turkey, stuffing, and tart cranberries—perfect as appetizers, snacks, or lunch bites.