Description
These golden-brown bites combine tender turkey, tart cranberries, and savory aromatics into a party-ready finger food or alternative to traditional stuffing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 cups cubed day-old bread (country white or sourdough)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–1.5 cups cooked turkey (dark or white meat), finely chopped or ground
- 1/2–3/4 cup dried cranberries, soaked in 1/4 cup warm orange juice
- 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2–3/4 cup warm turkey or chicken stock (plus more if needed)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
- Butter or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread cubed bread on a sheet and toast for 12–15 minutes until dry; cool.
- Soak cranberries in orange juice for 10 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until softened (6–8 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds; add turkey and cook until done, season with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Drain excess liquid.
- In a large bowl combine toasted bread, turkey mixture, cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
- Whisk egg with 1/2 cup warm stock and orange zest. Add to bread mixture and fold gently until it holds when pressed. Add up to 1/4 cup more stock if needed.
- Chill mixture for 10–15 minutes, then form 1–1.5 tbsp portions into balls. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Brush balls with melted butter and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and reach 165°F internal temperature. Broil for extra crisp, if desired.
- Finish with flaky sea salt and a small herb leaf. Serve warm with optional cranberry-orange glaze.
Notes
These stuffing balls can be formed and frozen before baking for added convenience during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: festive, turkey, stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, cranberry