If you’ve ever found yourself staring at piles of leftover turkey and stuffing after Thanksgiving or Christmas, these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect solution. They’re savory, a little sweet, and packed with all the holiday flavors you love tender turkey, seasoned stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, and just a hint of herbs. They bake up golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and moist inside.
I created this recipe the day after Thanksgiving, while my fridge was full and my motivation to cook was low. I scooped leftover stuffing and turkey together, added a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, and rolled them into bite-sized balls. After baking, they came out warm, aromatic, and comforting. Now they’ve become one of our favorite post-holiday traditions — easy to reheat, great for snacking, and even better dipped in gravy.
If you love hearty comfort food like this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Bacon Potato Soup or the lighter Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Both pair beautifully with these stuffing balls for a full cozy winter meal.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven. Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything sticks together.
- Shape the balls. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll into firm balls.
- Bake. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Serve warm. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with gravy, extra cranberry sauce, or a creamy dip.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this crowd-pleasing dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked turkey, shredded | 2 cups |
| Leftover stuffing | 3 cups |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup |
| Eggs, lightly beaten | 2 large |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) | 2 tbsp |
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Preheat the oven. Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything sticks together.
- Shape the balls. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll into firm balls.
- Bake. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Serve warm. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with gravy, extra cranberry sauce, or a creamy dip.
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are great as appetizers, snacks, or even a light dinner. If you like pairing warm dishes together, serve them alongside my Creamy Lasagna Soup or One Pot Potato Soup for a hearty comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for using leftovers
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to freeze and reheat
- Great balance of savory and sweet flavors
The cranberry adds brightness to every bite, keeping things light and festive without overpowering the turkey. These little bites are also an easy way to portion control after a heavy holiday dinner.
For another family-friendly warm dish, try my Outback Potato Soup — creamy, smoky, and simple to make any night of the week.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Use moist stuffing: If your leftover stuffing feels dry, mix in a few tablespoons of broth or gravy to bring it back to life.
Chill before baking: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes so it holds its shape.
Add a twist: Stir in shredded cheese or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
You can even freeze them raw and bake later, which makes them perfect for meal prep. Pair with Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup for a balanced winter dinner.
Flavor Variations
Herb lovers: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a deeper holiday aroma.
Sweet and spicy: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle a little hot honey before serving.
Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking for texture.
If you like experimenting with cozy comfort recipes, you might also enjoy Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup — a slow-cooked favorite that matches perfectly with these stuffing balls for a family-style dinner.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Can I use boxed stuffing mix?
Yes! Just prepare it as directed and let it cool before combining it with the turkey and other ingredients.
2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Roll and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
3. What can I serve with these?
They pair beautifully with gravy, mashed potatoes, or any soup like Creamy Vegetable Soup.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm.
Serving Ideas
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls look beautiful on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a small bowl of cranberry dipping sauce. They make a perfect appetizer for parties or a creative side dish for your holiday table. For a comforting winter meal, try pairing them with a mug of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup.