The Best Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Holiday Parties

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls turn holiday leftovers into golden, flavorful bites! Juicy turkey, herby stuffing, and sweet cranberries come together for a cozy, festive treat — perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side. Easy to prep, bake, and serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for that classic Thanksgiving taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

They’re quick, delicious, and make great use of leftovers. Each bite blends savory turkey, crisp stuffing, and a pop of cranberry sweetness. Bake-not-fry for a lighter touch, and freeze or reheat anytime. Simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing — your new favorite holiday nibble!

What You’ll Need

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
• 2 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed mix)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup chicken or turkey broth (to moisten mixture)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray for baking

Optional: serve with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a creamy dip on the side.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberries, egg, broth, and seasonings. Mix until sticky but not soggy.
3. Roll into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the baking sheet.
4. Lightly spray with olive oil.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp outside.
6. Serve warm with gravy or cranberry sauce for dipping.

You Must Know

These stuffing balls hold best when the mixture isn’t too wet. Add broth slowly — just enough to make everything stick together. If it feels loose, mix in a bit more stuffing or breadcrumbs. Don’t overwork the mixture; gentle mixing keeps the texture soft inside and crispy outside.

Also, make sure your turkey is finely shredded — large chunks can cause the balls to fall apart. If using leftovers, warm them slightly before mixing; cold ingredients don’t bind as well. Lastly, always bake on parchment for even browning and easy cleanup.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To get that perfect golden crust, lightly coat the balls with olive oil spray before baking. Use the middle rack so they bake evenly without drying out. If you prefer extra crispiness, turn them halfway through cooking.

Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking — this helps them firm up while staying juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; air circulation is key to that irresistible crunch. Serve right away while warm, and watch them disappear fast!

Add Your Touch Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Make these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls your own! Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or mix in shredded cheese for extra flavor. Want a herbier kick? Try fresh rosemary or sage. You can even use cornbread stuffing for a Southern twist or swap cranberries for dried cherries.

For a fun party idea, serve them with different dips — cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or creamy ranch. You can also drizzle with gravy and top with a sprinkle of parsley for a beautiful presentation. These little bites easily adapt to any taste or occasion.

Storing & Reheating

Try our most popular fall recipes.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes (15 if frozen) until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving — it softens the coating. They taste just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or post-holiday snacking!

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Browse sweet desserts you’ll love.

• Mix gently: Overmixing can make the texture dense. Fold the ingredients just until combined.
• Use day-old stuffing: It binds better and gives a crispier finish.
• Don’t skip the spray: A light olive oil mist before baking ensures that perfect golden crust.
• Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate up to a day before baking.
• For extra flavor: Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs right after baking.

Little touches like these make your stuffing balls restaurant-worthy — crispy outside, tender inside, and full of cozy holiday flavor!

FAQ for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Shredded chicken works perfectly if you don’t have turkey on hand.

Explore cozy comfort food ideas.

Can I air-fry them?
Absolutely — air-fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

What if my mixture is too wet or dry?
If it’s too wet, add more stuffing; too dry, drizzle a little broth until it holds together.

Are they good cold?
They’re best warm, but still tasty at room temp for parties or lunchboxes!

Conclusion

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls bring together everything you love about the holidays — tender turkey, herby stuffing, and tart cranberries — in one bite-sized delight. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for parties or weeknight comfort food.

Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, sides, or creative leftovers, they’ll always impress. Warm, crispy, and full of seasonal flavor — this recipe proves that even holiday leftovers can become something truly special.