Introduction:
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls offer a delicious and festive way to enjoy your holiday favorites in bite-sized form. Combining tender turkey, savory stuffing, and the sweet pop of cranberries, this recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a special side dish. The stuffing balls are juicy, full of flavor, and easy to prepare, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether served as a side or a snack, they are sure to add a burst of flavor to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked stuffing (preferably herbed or sage stuffing)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for moisture, optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked stuffing, sautéed onions, celery, cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add the egg and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture together. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small amount of chicken broth until it’s moist but not too wet.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Stuffing Balls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the stuffing balls or lightly spray them with cooking spray for a crispy texture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the turkey is fully cooked and the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffing balls cool for a few minutes before serving. These can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Ideas: Serve these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as a side dish with your holiday meal, as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like cranberry sauce or gravy, or even as a snack.
- Storage: Once cooked, allow the stuffing balls to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the uncooked stuffing balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen for 25-30 minutes.
Variations:
- Add Cheese: Incorporate some sharp cheddar or mozzarella into the stuffing for a melty, gooey texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Herb Variations: Swap the parsley and thyme for rosemary or sage for a deeper herbal flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, substitute ground turkey with cooked quinoa or lentils and increase the stuffing ratio for more texture.
FAQ:
Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them.
Can I use store-bought stuffing? Absolutely! You can use pre-packaged stuffing or leftover homemade stuffing, but for best results, make sure it’s not too dry.
How do I make these gluten-free? Use gluten-free stuffing and breadcrumbs to make these stuffing balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken will work in place of turkey for a slightly lighter option, although the flavor may differ slightly.
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