Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Alright, I have a confession to make—stuffing has always been my *favorite* part of the Thanksgiving feast. There’s just something magical about that mix of herbs, bread, and a little bit of that unexpected sweetness from cranberries that gets me every time. These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls take that cozy, classic flavor and turn it into bite-sized heaven. Imagine crispy golden edges with a soft, herby center and little pops of tart cranberry that brighten every bite. I love making these when friends pop over because they’re easy to share and absolutely addictive. Plus, they make the whole house smell like holiday comfort. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to add these little balls of joy to your holiday table year after year!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

8 cups cubed day-old bread (about 1/2-inch cubes; white or sourdough works great)
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or finely chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 small onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried sage)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (as needed)
2 large eggs, beaten

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Toss in the herbs, salt, and pepper to awaken those wonderful fall flavors. Then stir in the cranberries and cook for another minute until they start to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 2:

In a very large bowl, combine the bread cubes, shredded turkey, and the sautéed veggie mixture. Pour in the beaten eggs and gradually add the broth—start with 1/2 cup and add more only if the mixture feels dry. The goal is a moist yet firm texture that holds shape when formed into balls.

Step 3:

Using your hands (I highly recommend clean ones!), gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquids fully.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Form the stuffing mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the sheet with a little space between each.

Step 5:

Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to get a crispy, golden-brown crust all around. That crust is where the magic happens—contrast between crunchy exterior and moist, flavorful center!

Step 6:

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These balls are fantastic served warm, right out of the oven, with a drizzle of gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce if you’re feeling extra festive.

Variations & Tips

Swap cranberries for dried cherries or golden raisins for a different sweet note.
Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch inside the balls.
If mixture feels too wet, add a handful more bread crumbs until firm enough to shape.
For smokier flavor, use smoked turkey or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Make these ahead and freeze before baking; just add a few extra minutes to your baking time.
Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as an appetizer at holiday parties, paired with a warm glass of cider or wine. They’re also perfect as a side alongside the usual roasted turkey and mashed potatoes, adding a colorful burst of tangy cranberry and fresh herbs. For a fun twist, pop them onto skewers with roasted Brussels sprouts or drizzle with homemade gravy during Thanksgiving dinner.

Notes

Store leftover balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
If you don’t have leftover turkey, feel free to leave it out for a vegetarian-friendly version—just add extra broth or veggies.

Closing: These stuffing balls capture everything I love about holiday flavors—warm, hearty, and just a little bit unexpected—making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.