Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing is an inspired reinvention of a holiday classic that brings together the best of flavors. These stuffing balls feature a crisp exterior, moist interior, savory turkey, fragrant herbs, and bright, tangy cranberries. Perfectly portioned for elegant entertaining, they elevate any festive gathering, making them a must-try for your next Thanksgiving feast or holiday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

This Savory Turkey Stuffing offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Made with lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
• Bright, tangy cranberries add a unique twist to traditional stuffing.
• Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a Cranberry Turkey Dressing.
• Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prepping for your holiday gatherings.
• Suitable for gluten-free diets, accommodating a wide range of guests.

Ingredients for Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Gather these items:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
• 8 cups stale bread cubes (½-¾ inch)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 stalks celery, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

How to Make Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Prepare Bread & Aromatics: Cube stale bread (½-¾ inch); if not stale, toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 min until dried. Finely dice onion and celery, and mince garlic. Finely chop fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Roughly chop pecans/walnuts if using.
2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Melt ¼ cup butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery for 8-10 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute. Stir in chopped sage and thyme; cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine stale bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), remaining ¼ cup melted butter, salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and orange zest (if using). Toss gently. Add the cooled sautéed aromatic mixture, lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup broth, and ground turkey.
4. Step 4: Mix and Season: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. If too dry, add remaining ½ cup broth, a tablespoon at a time, until moist enough to hold its shape. Cook a small sample (microwave 30 sec or pan-fry 1-2 min) to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Step 5: Shape Stuffing Balls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Take 1½-2 tablespoons of mixture and gently roll into compact, golf-ball sized balls. Place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for turkey).
7. Step 7: Serve: Remove from oven and let rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Serve as an appetizer with cranberry sauce, or as a side with gravy.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Keep these in mind:

• Use stale bread for better texture.
• Don’t skip the herbs; they enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust the broth based on your preferred moisture level.

Best Ways to Serve Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Here are a few ideas:

• Serve as an elegant appetizer with cranberry sauce.
• Pair with roasted turkey for a festive dinner.
• Include in a Cranberry Turkey Dressing for a holiday side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

After serving, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This stuffing is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

What’s the secret to perfect Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?

The key is balancing moisture and flavor. Ensure your mixture is moist enough to hold shape but not too wet. Incorporating fresh herbs and cranberries enhances the overall taste, making your stuffing irresistible.

Can I make Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing balls in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for optimal flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?

Common issues include overcooking or under-seasoning. Always test a small sample before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. Ensuring your bread is stale also helps achieve the perfect texture.

Variations of Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing You Can Try

Explore these delicious variations:

• Add diced apples for sweetness.
• Incorporate different nuts such as pecans for added crunch.
• Use gluten-free bread for a suitable alternative.
• Swap turkey for chicken for a different flavor profile.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or learn how to make sliced bread to pair with your stuffing.

For more tips on meal prep, visit this article on meal prep benefits and explore how to make roasted carrot soup as a perfect side dish.

Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Festive Gatherings

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 20 stuffing balls 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

An inspired reinvention of a holiday classic, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls feature a crisp exterior, moist interior, savory turkey, fragrant herbs, and bright, tangy cranberries. Perfectly portioned for elegant entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean)
• 8 cups stale bread cubes (½–¾ inch)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 stalks celery, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Bread & Aromatics: Cube stale bread (½-¾ inch); if not stale, toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 min until dried. Finely dice onion and celery, and mince garlic. Finely chop fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Roughly chop pecans/walnuts if using.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt ¼ cup butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery for 8-10 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute. Stir in chopped sage and thyme; cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine stale bread cubes, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), remaining ¼ cup melted butter, salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and orange zest (if using). Toss gently. Add the cooled sautéed aromatic mixture, lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup broth, and ground turkey.
4. Mix and Season: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. If too dry, add remaining ½ cup broth, a tablespoon at a time, until moist enough to hold its shape. Cook a small sample (microwave 30 sec or pan-fry 1-2 min) to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Shape Stuffing Balls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Take 1½-2 tablespoons of mixture and gently roll into compact, golf-ball sized balls. Place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for turkey).
7. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Serve as an appetizer with cranberry sauce, or as a side with gravy.

Notes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg