Name: Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing: 5 Savory Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 3 cups stuffing mix or dried bread cubes; 3/4–1 cup chicken or turkey broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 egg, beaten; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for sautéing or brushing)

Jump to Recipe

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing is a delightful twist on the classic stuffing recipe, bringing together savory ground turkey, tart dried cranberries, and fragrant herbs. These bite-sized balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, and are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and appealing presentation. In just 45 minutes, you can create a dish that embodies the spirit of the holidays with every delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a range of flavors that make it a standout dish. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Perfect for holiday gatherings, it captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
Combines sweet and savory elements for a delightful taste experience.
Easy to prepare in advance, saving you time on busy days.
Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish.
Great for using up leftover turkey or stuffing mix.
Gluten-free options available, making it suitable for various diets.

This recipe is a fantastic example of how to incorporate seasonal flavors into your meals. The Holiday Cranberry Turkey Stuffing is not only appealing but also delivers a wholesome and satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Gather these items:

1 lb ground turkey
3 cups stuffing mix or dried bread cubes
3/4–1 cup chicken or turkey broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for sautéing or brushing)

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

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a skillet, sauté onion and celery in olive oil or butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies with ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add broth gradually to moisten the mix, then stir in the beaten egg to bind.
Step 5: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush tops lightly with oil or melted butter.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Let rest a few minutes before serving with gravy or cranberry sauce if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

Keep these in mind:

These stuffing balls make a great appetizer or side dish.
Customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist.
They can be made ahead and reheated before serving, which is perfect for holiday meal prep.

Best Ways to Serve Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

There are many delightful ways to enjoy your Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing. Serve them:

With a drizzle of homemade gravy for enhanced flavor.
Alongside cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
As a part of a beautiful holiday charcuterie board, featuring cheeses and fruits.

How to Store and Reheat Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This makes it easy to prepare your Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing Recipe ahead of time and enjoy as a quick meal later!

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

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

The secret lies in balancing the savory and sweet flavors. Using quality ingredients like fresh herbs and real turkey broth enhances the overall taste, making your stuffing unforgettable.

Can I make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the balls and bake them on the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness.

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

One common mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the stuffing balls to ensure they don’t dry out. Aim for a golden brown color and check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Variations of Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with your stuffing! Here are some variations:

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork for a different flavor.
Add chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture in your Cranberry Walnut Turkey Stuffing Recipe.
Mix in diced apples for a sweet addition that pairs well with the cranberries.

Whichever version you choose, this Savory Cranberry Turkey Dressing is sure to please!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or explore Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a perfect holiday side dish.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing: 5 Savory Ideas - Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing - additional detail

For more holiday inspiration, consider our Holiday Yogurt Parfaits or Cranberry Orange Pancakes.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing: 5 Savory Ideas

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are savory, bite-sized holiday appetizers or side dishes made with ground turkey, dried cranberries, herbs, and seasoned bread cubes. They bring classic holiday flavors together in a fun, poppable form perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet, sauté onion and celery in olive oil or butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies with ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add broth gradually to moisten the mix, then stir in the beaten egg to bind.
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place on the baking sheet.
Brush tops lightly with oil or melted butter.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest a few minutes before serving with gravy or cranberry sauce if desired.