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Crispy Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

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These crispy cranberry turkey stuffing balls are golden-brown, flavorful bites with a crispy exterior and tender inside, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes (rustic white or sourdough preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Cooking spray or extra butter for crisping

Instructions

  1. Cut or tear day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and celery; cook 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in sage and thyme during the last minute. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. Roughly chop cranberries. Toss with honey or maple syrup if using. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, shredded turkey, and cranberries. Add broth and beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Fold gently until mixture holds together when pressed. Adjust moisture with broth or bread cubes as needed.
  5. Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 20-24 balls).
  6. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray or melt butter. Cook stuffing balls 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, working in batches if needed.
  7. Optional: Transfer browned balls to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for extra crispness and to heat through.
  8. Let rest a couple of minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Toast bread cubes to prevent soggy stuffing balls. Use room temperature eggs for better binding. Cook over medium heat to avoid burning outside before inside is heated. Do not overcrowd pan to maintain crispiness. Mixture should be slightly moist to hold shape; add broth or egg if needed. Can bake entirely in oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes as alternative cooking method. Freeze uncooked balls on baking sheet before transferring to freezer bag; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing balls, cranberry, turkey, crispy, holiday recipe, easy recipe, cozy gatherings, finger food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/crispy-cranberry-turkey-stuffing-balls-easy-recipe-for-cozy-gatherings/