Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe
Introduction to Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a tasty snack, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests. With their combination of ground turkey, dried cranberries, and classic stuffing ingredients, they offer a unique twist on traditional meatballs that everyone will love.
A Personal Story Behind My Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Journey
Growing up, my family always had a special dish that brought everyone together during the holidays—stuffing. When I started cooking for my own family, I wanted to recreate that magic but with my own twist. That’s when I discovered the delightful combination of turkey and cranberries. These stuffing balls quickly became a family favorite, and I love to serve them during gatherings, sharing not only the delicious taste but also the memories they bring.
What Makes This Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its use of ground turkey breast, making it a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. The addition of dried cranberries adds a sweet burst of flavor that perfectly complements the savory ingredients. Plus, these little bites are easy to make and can be served warm on skewers or with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. They are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing and can add a festive touch to your table!
The Full Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ lb. mushrooms, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped (about ½ large onion)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 lb. ground turkey breast
- ½ cup coarsely ground cornmeal or dry cornbread stuffing
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure to mix well until everything is evenly distributed; this helps the flavors meld together.
- Use a meatball scoop or melon baller to form 24 meatballs, each about 1½ inches in size. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape, so don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky.
- Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared pan. This spacing allows for even cooking and browning.
- Bake the meatballs uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until the center reaches 165ºF (74ºC) on a meat thermometer. This step is crucial for ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Serve the meatballs warm on mini skewers or with cranberry sauce for dipping. For a pop of color, you can sprinkle some parsley on top.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are incredibly versatile! Serve them at your next party or potluck on a platter with dipping sauces like barbecue or ranch. They can also be enjoyed as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, consider adding different herbs or spices to the mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor profile. You can also swap out the dried cranberries for dried cherries or apricots for a different fruity flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the meatballs a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce, but you can also serve them with a variety of sauces, including sweet chili or a tangy mustard sauce. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables also make great sides.
These meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tasty appetizer for any occasion!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 120
- Servings: 6
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 lb mushrooms, finely chopped about 3 cups
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped about ½ large onion
- 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 0.5 cup coarsely ground cornmeal or dry cornbread stuffing
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure to mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Use a meatball scoop or melon baller to form 24 meatballs, each about 1½ inches in size. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape.
- Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared pan to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until the center reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
- Serve the meatballs warm on mini skewers or with cranberry sauce for dipping. For a pop of color, sprinkle some parsley on top.