Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer!

Holiday Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer 🎉🦃✨

1. Introduction

Elevate your festive gatherings with these irresistible holiday appetizer morsels — Holiday Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. Combining tender turkey, savory stuffing, and tart cranberries, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties and family feasts alike. Not only are they crowd-pleasers, but they also add a colorful and flavorful touch to your holiday bites platter. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s celebrations, these stuffing balls are guaranteed to impress.

2. Ingredients for Cranberry Stuffing and Turkey Appetizer

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups stuffing bread cubes
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil for frying

For more holiday-inspired ingredients and tools, visit our cranberry recipes collection.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, bread cubes, chopped cranberries, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well integrated.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly-sized balls about the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook the Turkey Appetizer

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry the stuffing balls until they are golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, for a healthier option, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, let the cranberry stuffing balls rest briefly before serving. They are fantastic served with a side of cranberry sauce or a creamy dipping sauce for maximum flavor.

4. Storing and Reheating Tips for Holiday Appetizer

Store leftover cranberry turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. They also freeze well for up to a month—simply thaw and reheat for future holiday bites.

5. Serving Suggestions for Perfect Holiday Bites

Arrange the cranberry stuffing balls on a serving platter garnished with fresh parsley or cranberries. Pair them with a variety of dips such as honey mustard or a tangy cranberry sauce. These bites are ideal for festive platters, cocktail parties, or as part of a buffet line. For an added touch of holiday cheer, add mini skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Can I make these stuffing balls vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground turkey with plant-based protein such as lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat crumbles. Use vegan cheese and bread cubes to make the recipe suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet.

What are some substitutions for fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work well if fresh are unavailable. Additionally, dried cranberries can be used, but reduce the sweetness or add a splash of vinegar to offset the sweetness.

How long does it take to prepare this holiday appetizer?

From start to finish, it takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve these cranberry stuffing balls, making them an easy addition to your holiday menu.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even heating and easy cleanup for your frying and baking needs, elevating your holiday cooking experience.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplifies chopping and preparing ingredients for the stuffing mixture.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keeps your beverages cool during festive parties, complementing your holiday bites.

8. Additional Recipes and Food Ideas for Holiday Celebrations

• Halloween party food ideas
• Thanksgiving finger foods to impress
• Classic cannoli squares

9. Conclusion

These holiday appetizer cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and tart flavors—perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve at any festive occasion, they are sure to become a new favorite in your holiday recipe collection. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and impress your guests with these irresistible holiday bites. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

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