Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe

After the big Thanksgiving feast, one thing is guaranteed: leftovers. Instead of reheating the same plate of turkey and stuffing, why not reinvent them into something new, flavorful, and fun?

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about Thanksgiving in one perfect bite — savory stuffing, tender turkey, tart cranberries, and crispy golden edges. They’re easy to make, great for parties, and the perfect appetizer or snack to enjoy all weekend long.

Whether you’re feeding guests, prepping a quick lunch, or making a creative holiday appetizer, this recipe turns leftover magic into something truly crave-worthy.

🦃 Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Balls

• Zero waste: The best way to use up leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberries.
• Flavor-packed: Each bite bursts with Thanksgiving flavor—savory, sweet, and slightly tangy.
• Crispy outside, tender inside: Perfectly golden and full of texture.
• Easy to make ahead: Great for freezing or baking fresh.
• Versatile: Serve as appetizers, side dishes, or even a fun main course with gravy.

🧄 Ingredients for Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1½ cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or leftover cranberry sauce)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, depending on your stuffing’s saltiness)

Optional Glaze or Dip:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce (thinned slightly with a tablespoon of orange juice)
• ¼ cup gravy for serving (optional)

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil or brush with melted butter.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, cranberries, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the mixture is evenly combined and holds together when pressed.
3. Form the Balls:
   Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form 1½-inch balls (about golf-ball size) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the stuffing balls are crisp and golden brown on all sides.
5. Prepare the Glaze or Dip:
   While baking, heat cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice until warm and pourable. Alternatively, warm some leftover gravy for dipping.
6. Serve:
   Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, and drizzle or serve with cranberry glaze or gravy on the side.

Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

A crispy, savory way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers with turkey, stuffing, and cranberries baked into golden, flavorful bites.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 16 balls

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving

Calories: 120

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1.5 cups cooked turkey finely chopped
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries or leftover cranberry sauce
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp salt optional

Glaze/Dip

• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce thinned with orange juice
• 0.25 cup gravy optional for dipping

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil.
2. Combine stuffing, turkey, cranberries, eggs, breadcrumbs, butter, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form into 1½-inch balls and place evenly on baking sheet.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. Warm cranberry sauce with orange juice or gravy for dipping.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

If stuffing is dry, add a splash of broth or melted butter before mixing.

🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing Balls

• Use moist stuffing: If your stuffing is too dry, add a splash of broth or melted butter before forming the balls.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain texture.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through for extra crispiness.
• Add cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella for cheesy centers.
• Make-ahead friendly: Form balls a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are endlessly versatile. Try them:

• As Appetizers: Perfect for holiday parties or game nights with a cranberry or gravy dipping sauce.
• With Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a holiday breakfast spread.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with mashed potatoes and green beans for a mini Thanksgiving redux.
• In a Slider: Sandwich between small rolls with a dab of cranberry sauce for bite-sized sandwiches.
• On a Platter: Arrange with skewers and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

💡 Variations

• Sweet and Savory: Add chopped apples or pecans for a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Herb Lovers: Mix in extra rosemary, thyme, or sage for bold flavor.
• Cranberry Glazed Version: Toss baked stuffing balls in warmed cranberry glaze for a sticky, glossy finish.
• Meatless Version: Skip the turkey and add more stuffing with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked stuffing balls for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

🕰 Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep Early: Mix and shape the balls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh before serving.
• Freezer Meal Option: Prepare a double batch, freeze one tray, and enjoy for future quick meals or gatherings.

🍷 What to Serve With Them

Pair your Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls with:

• White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Beer: Light amber ale or seasonal cranberry beer.
• Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a light green salad.
• Sauces: Cranberry-orange glaze, turkey gravy, or creamy mustard dip.

🎉 Fun Fact: A Modern Thanksgiving Hack

Stuffing balls originated as a creative solution for leftover stuffing — transforming a side dish into a bite-sized snack. Over the years, chefs and home cooks have upgraded the concept with add-ins like turkey, cheese, and cranberries. They’ve become a holiday favorite, often featured at Friendsgiving gatherings and potlucks for their simplicity, portability, and nostalgic flavor.

💭 Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches and reheated leftovers, these Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls are a total game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful inside, and full of everything that makes Thanksgiving special.

Perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in, these golden bites deliver comfort, creativity, and just the right amount of holiday magic in every mouthful.