Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer? These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Made with juicy turkey, classic stuffing, and tart cranberries, they’re baked to golden perfection. Serve them as party starters, side dishes, or even a fun main course with gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with fresh ingredients.
- Sweet and savory balance thanks to cranberries and herbs.
- Perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for holiday gatherings.
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.
Ingredients

- 3 cups prepared stuffing (leftover or fresh)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh chopped cranberries)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, cranberries, Parmesan, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in beaten eggs until mixture holds together.
- Shape into 1 ½-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside each ball for a gooey center.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the balls, refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
- Dipping Ideas: Cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, or even honey mustard.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange baked stuffing balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Heat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve as a holiday appetizer with a cranberry dipping sauce.
- Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a festive dinner plate.
- Add to a charcuterie or holiday snack board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, shredded chicken works perfectly as a substitute.
Can I make these without eggs?
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or omit if the mixture holds together.
Should I use dried or fresh cranberries?
Both work! Dried cranberries add sweetness, while fresh bring a tart flavor.
Can I air fry stuffing balls?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.
Ready to Make It?
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday bite—warm, festive, and full of flavor. Try them for your next gathering and save this recipe so you can return to it all season long.
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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffing balls 1x
Description
Savory Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls made with leftover turkey, classic stuffing, and cranberries. A festive holiday appetizer or side dish baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
3 cups prepared stuffing (leftover or fresh)
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh chopped cranberries)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, combine stuffing, turkey, cranberries, Parmesan, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in beaten eggs until mixture holds together.
4. Shape into 1 ½-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.
7. Serve warm with cranberry sauce, gravy, or dipping sauce.
Notes
Make Ahead: Form the balls, refrigerate overnight, and bake before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake, freeze, and reheat directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffing balls
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg