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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Delicious bite-sized balls made with ground turkey and fresh cranberries, perfect for appetizers or side dishes, bursting with savory and sweet flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground turkey, lean and juicy
  • 2 cups stale bread, preferably cubed sourdough or whole wheat adds a rustic touch
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped to give a burst of tartness
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped adds depth to the flavor
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped for crunch and freshness
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for a vibrant touch
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped intensifying the sweet notes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced to incorporate some aromatic warmth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme bringing earthiness to the dish
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage adding a hint of savory richness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning
  • 1 large egg, beaten to bind the mixture together
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth keeping the balls moist
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stale bread cubes, chopped fresh cranberries, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and chopped dried cranberries until colorful.
  2. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every bite is infused with flavors.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth, then pour this mixture into the large bowl to bind the ingredients.
  4. Gently mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Shape the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Lightly spray or brush the balls with olive oil to promote browning while baking.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. Prepare the mixture a day ahead and store in the fridge for ease.