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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a clever way to reinvent your holiday leftovers into bite-sized treats bursting with savory stuffing, tender turkey, sweet cranberries, and melty cheese. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful center, they work beautifully as an appetizer, a salad topping, or even a light main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing Balls
  • 3 cups cooked stuffing Homemade or from a box
  • 1½ cups finely chopped cooked turkey
  • ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
  • ½ cup shredded cheese Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar
  • 1 large egg Lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage Optional
  • Salt and black pepper To taste
  • Cooking spray or oil For greasing

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Large bowl
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of cooked stuffing with 1½ cups of chopped turkey. Add ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries and ½ cup of shredded cheese.
  3. Mix in ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and if using, ½ teaspoon of dried sage. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and add the lightly beaten egg. Stir until the mixture holds together and is moist but not too wet.
  5. Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball (roughly the size of a golf ball), shape the mixture into balls using the warmth of your hands to help them stick together.
  6. Place the balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between them for proper browning.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the outsides develop a golden, crispy crust while the insides remain tender and moist.

Notes

This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to substitute the turkey with chicken or even ham if desired. For a vegetarian twist, try using sautéed mushrooms in place of meat. The cheese options are flexible—any good melting cheese works, and dried cranberries can be swapped with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. These stuffing balls not only make great appetizers but can also be served atop a salad or alongside roasted root vegetables for a fuller meal.