Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Ultimate Festive Appetizer and Leftover Turkey Recipe

When the holiday season arrives, kitchens fill with comforting aromas, hearty meals, and an abundance of leftovers. One of the most creative and delicious ways to transform leftover turkey and stuffing into something exciting is by making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with festive flavor in every bite.

Whether you are planning a holiday gathering, looking for a clever Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipe, or simply craving a cozy comfort food appetizer, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a must-try. They combine classic holiday flavors — turkey, herbs, stuffing, and cranberries — into a bite-sized dish that is both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.

Unlike traditional casseroles or reheated leftovers, this recipe reinvents your ingredients into something new, exciting, and visually appealing. Plus, these baked stuffing bites are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish paired with gravy or salad.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls are more than just a leftover solution — they are a flavor-packed holiday favorite. The balance of savory turkey, aromatic herbs, and tangy cranberries creates a rich taste that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Here are a few reasons this recipe stands out:

• Perfect use for leftover turkey and stuffing
• Crispy exterior with a soft, moist center
• Easy dump-and-mix preparation
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, and holiday appetizers
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

The addition of cranberries adds a subtle sweetness and festive flair that elevates the entire dish, making it ideal for fall and winter celebrations.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked stuffing (homemade or boxed)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked stuffing and chopped turkey until evenly distributed.
3. Add the dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
4. Crack the eggs into the mixture and pour in the broth. Stir until the mixture becomes moist and holds together when pressed.
5. If the mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs gradually until it reaches a moldable consistency.
6. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized balls (about 1½ inches in diameter).
7. Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each one.
8. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Savory, sweet, and crispy baked stuffing balls made with turkey, herbs, and cranberries — perfect for holidays and leftovers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 18 balls

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients

  

Cookie Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup apple cider

Filling

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
5. Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
7. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
8. Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Notes

You can use leftover turkey and stuffing for best flavor. Add extra broth if mixture feels dry.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Balanced

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls deliver a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The savory turkey provides richness, the stuffing offers herbaceous depth, and the cranberries introduce a gentle tart sweetness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

This balance makes them far more exciting than traditional stuffing leftovers. Each bite offers crispy edges, a soft interior, and bursts of cranberry flavor that feel festive and comforting at the same time.

Tips for the Best Stuffing Balls

1. Use Moist Stuffing

Dry stuffing can cause the balls to fall apart. If your stuffing is dry, add extra broth one tablespoon at a time until it becomes slightly moist and moldable.

2. Finely Chop the Turkey

Smaller pieces of turkey help the mixture bind better and create a smoother texture.

3. Don’t Skip the Eggs

Eggs act as the binding agent in this recipe. Without them, the stuffing balls may crumble during baking.

4. Chill Before Baking (Optional)

If your mixture feels soft, refrigerate the formed balls for 15–20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

5. Add a Crisp Coating

Rolling the balls lightly in breadcrumbs before baking adds extra crunch and visual appeal.

Delicious Variations to Try

Cheesy Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a melty center that makes these bites even more indulgent.

Gluten-Free Version

Simply use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Herb-Loaded Holiday Bites

Mix in fresh rosemary and sage for a deeper holiday aroma and traditional festive flavor.

Spicy Sweet Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to create a subtle spicy contrast against the sweet cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

These baked stuffing bites are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• With warm turkey gravy for dipping
• Alongside cranberry sauce for a festive presentation
• As part of a holiday appetizer platter
• Over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal
• Paired with roasted vegetables for a cozy dinner

For holiday entertaining, arrange the stuffing balls on a serving tray with small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce. This creates a visually stunning appetizer spread that guests will love.

Perfect for Holiday Leftovers

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how well it transforms leftovers into something new and exciting. Instead of reheating the same turkey and stuffing, you can turn them into a crispy, flavorful dish that feels completely different from the original meal.

It is especially useful after Thanksgiving or Christmas when refrigerators are full of leftover turkey and side dishes. This recipe reduces food waste while delivering a fresh, delicious result.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

These stuffing balls freeze exceptionally well. Simply:

• Let them cool completely
• Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container

They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their crisp texture.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent and comforting, cranberry turkey stuffing balls also offer nutritional value. Turkey is a lean protein source that helps support muscle health and satiety. Cranberries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness without excessive added sugar. When baked instead of fried, these stuffing bites become a lighter alternative to many traditional holiday appetizers.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Stuffing has been a beloved holiday staple for centuries, often symbolizing warmth, abundance, and family gatherings. Incorporating cranberries into stuffing recipes is a modern twist that adds color, flavor, and seasonal flair. Bite-sized stuffing recipes like these have grown increasingly popular because they are easy to serve at gatherings and perfect for buffet-style meals.

Mini holiday appetizers also align with contemporary entertaining trends, where guests prefer small, flavorful bites over large plated dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly wet stuffing, which can cause soggy balls
• Skipping the binding ingredients like eggs
• Overbaking, which can dry out the interior
• Making balls too large, which prevents even cooking

Keeping the size uniform ensures they bake evenly and develop the perfect crispy exterior.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Although commonly associated with holiday meals, cranberry turkey stuffing balls are suitable year-round. They work beautifully for:

• Potluck gatherings
• Family dinners
• Meal prep lunches
• Festive appetizers
• Cozy winter snacks

Their portability and easy serving style make them ideal for entertaining or casual meals alike.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate festive appetizer and one of the smartest ways to repurpose holiday leftovers. With their crispy texture, savory herb flavor, and bursts of sweet cranberry goodness, they bring warmth and creativity to your table without requiring complicated preparation.

Simple, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe proves that leftovers can be transformed into something truly special. Whether served at a holiday party, family dinner, or cozy night in, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite that everyone will request year after year.