These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delicious way to bring something fun and flavorful to your holiday table—or any cozy dinner that needs a little something special. Blending savory ground turkey with fragrant herbs, sweet dried cranberries, and a light, moist stuffing texture, these are everything you love about traditional stuffing, rolled into perfectly portioned, handheld bites.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a Friendsgiving, or simply want a side dish that stands out, these stuffing balls are easy to make, big on flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Why you’ll love this recipe

These stuffing balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The ground turkey keeps them juicy and filling, while the cranberries add a sweet pop that balances out the herbs. They’re simple to assemble, bake all at once, and easy to serve—no carving or scooping required. You can make them ahead of time, serve them warm or at room temperature, and even freeze a batch for later. Plus, they work just as well as a side dish as they do a hearty appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

(tip: you’ll find the full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below)

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberries, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, then add chopped parsley.
Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or the balls may get dense.
Shape the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are cooked through and golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy with gravy, cranberry sauce, or just as they are.

Variations

Use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey.
Add chopped celery or grated carrot for extra moisture and texture.
Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or raisins.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese inside each ball for a gooey center.

Heating and Storage

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
To freeze: Let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these stuffing balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape them a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready.

What’s the best way to keep them from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and make sure you include the chicken broth and eggs for moisture.

Can I cook them in a muffin tin?

Absolutely! A muffin tin can help them keep their shape and crisp up evenly.

Can I serve these as a main dish?

Yes—they’re hearty enough to serve with a side of mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Do I need to soak the breadcrumbs?

No soaking is needed. The moisture from the broth and eggs will soften them during baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Dried cranberries are preferred for texture and sweetness. Fresh cranberries would need to be cooked down or sweetened first.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Yes, but for best results, freeze after baking and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Be sure to mix thoroughly so everything binds well, and don’t skip the eggs—they help hold the shape.

What sauce goes best with these?

They’re great with turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or a honey mustard glaze.

Can I make these vegetarian?

You could try using a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth in place of turkey and chicken broth.

Conclusion

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are everything you love about the holidays wrapped up into one satisfying bite. They’re savory, a little sweet, and filled with warm herbs and juicy turkey, making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep. Easy to make, quick to bake, and fun to eat—don’t be surprised if these become a new tradition.