Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the stuffing mix to absorb the liquid. If you prefer a softer stuffing ball, you can add a little extra broth.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the stuffing mixture.

Add the ground turkey to the stuffing mixture, breaking it up with your hands or a spoon. Then, add the fresh cranberries, parsley, garlic powder, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Once the mixture is combined, add the egg and mix again to help bind the ingredients together.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking sheet or a baking dish with a little olive oil. Using your hands, form the stuffing mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). You should get around 12-15 stuffing ballsdepending on the size.
Place the stuffing balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly so they have room to cook and crisp up.

Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)).
If you like a crispier exterior, you can broil the stuffing balls for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the stuffing balls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for color and freshness, if desired.

Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will burst and soften as they bake, adding a fresh and tangy flavor to the stuffing balls. If you use dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using to rehydrate them slightly and keep the stuffing balls moist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls ahead of time. Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This is a great time-saver for holiday meals.
Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing mixture. The crunchy nuts provide a wonderful contrast to the tender turkey and chewy cranberries.
Crispier Outside: If you want your stuffing balls to have an extra crispy crust, consider giving them a quick sauté in a skillet with a little butter or oil before baking.

Sausage and Cranberry: For a richer flavor, you can mix crumbled sausage (either pork or turkey sausage) into the stuffing mixture. The sausage adds depth and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Cheese: Add a little shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan to the mixture for a creamy, melty surprise inside the stuffing balls.
Herbed Stuffing Mix: Instead of using a traditional stuffing mix, you can use an herbed stuffing mix or a homemade version to make the stuffing balls even more flavorful.