Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, but let’s be honest, the leftovers can get a little…monotonous. I’ve spent years experimenting with ways to reinvent them, and these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are my absolute best creation. I’ve tested this recipe over a dozen times, tweaking it until it’s perfectly moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. These aren’t your grandma’s leftovers – unless your grandma is a culinary genius who understands the power of a crispy, bite-sized treat. I’m here to help you transform that mountain of post-Thanksgiving ingredients into a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will rave about. Get ready to ditch the day-old sandwiches and embrace the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover makeover. I first made these in 2018 and they quickly became a family favorite, and every year I’ve made them slightly better. What I love most is how little effort they take and how much flavor they pack.

What You’ll Need to Make These Delicious Leftover Balls

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t worry about sticking to exact measurements. The goal is to use up those leftovers in a creative and delicious way! Here’s a general guide to what you’ll need:

• Leftover Turkey: About 2 cups, shredded or diced. Dark or white meat works, or a mix of both!
• Leftover Stuffing: 2-3 cups. Any type of stuffing will work, but I personally prefer a bread-based stuffing.
• Leftover Cranberry Sauce: 1/2 cup. This adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that balances the savory flavors.
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. These act as a binder to hold everything together.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup, for dredging. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko for a crispier coating.
• Oil: For frying (if frying) or cooking spray (if baking). Vegetable or canola oil works well for frying.
• Optional Add-Ins: Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), grated Parmesan cheese, diced celery or onion, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts).

Ingredient Spotlight: Cranberry Sauce

Getting Started: Preparing the Mixture

Now for the fun part! This is where you get to combine all those delicious Thanksgiving flavors into one amazing bite.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
2. Add Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or gravy. If it seems too wet, add a little more stuffing or breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls. Gently squeeze each ball to help it hold its shape.

Why Eggs are Essential

The eggs are crucial in this recipe. They act as a binder, holding the turkey and stuffing together. Without the eggs, the balls will fall apart during cooking. Make sure to beat the eggs lightly before adding them to the mixture to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Time to Cook: Frying or Baking

You have two options for cooking your Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: frying or baking. Both methods yield delicious results, but frying will give you a crispier exterior.

Frying Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Dredge the Balls: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Roll each stuffing ball in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Fry the Balls: Carefully place the stuffing balls in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain: Remove the stuffing balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Dredge the Balls: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Roll each stuffing ball in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Bake the Balls: Arrange the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Dips

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Gravy: The classic choice! Warm up some leftover gravy and serve it alongside the stuffing balls.
• Cranberry Mayo: Mix equal parts cranberry sauce and mayonnaise for a sweet and tangy dip.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
• Honey Mustard: A simple and delicious dip that complements the savory flavors.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky sweetness that’s surprisingly delicious.

Beyond Dipping Sauces

Don’t limit yourself to just dipping sauces! These stuffing balls are also great:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• As a Side Dish: Accompany a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
• In a Sandwich: Layer them in a roll with some cranberry sauce and lettuce for a fun twist on a Thanksgiving sandwich.

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffing Balls

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the best Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls possible:

• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough stuffing balls.
• Chill the Mixture: If you have time, chill the stuffing ball mixture for 30 minutes before forming the balls. This will help them hold their shape.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop makes it easy to form uniform stuffing balls.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy stuffing balls.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the balls and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the stuffing ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Form the balls just before cooking.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can freeze both uncooked and cooked stuffing balls. To freeze uncooked balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To freeze cooked balls, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.

Can I use gluten-free stuffing?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour for dredging.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with a similar sweet and tart ingredient, such as apple jelly, apricot jam, or even a spoonful of honey mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Can I add cheese to the stuffing balls?

Definitely! Grated Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella would all be delicious additions.

A Delicious Thanksgiving Tradition

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are more than just a way to use up leftovers – they’re a delicious and festive treat that your whole family will love. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So, this Thanksgiving, don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Turn them into something amazing! I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what you think. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #CranberryTurkeyStuffingBalls – I can’t wait to see them!

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