Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing has always been the highlight of my holiday gatherings. Growing up, my family would craft this savory stuffing, blending rich turkey flavors with the tartness of cranberries. The aroma filled our home, wrapping us in warmth as we prepared for the feast. This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s about revisiting cherished memories and sharing joy with loved ones. Whether you’re making a Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing Recipe or a side for a holiday dinner, this stuffing will add a burst of flavor to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
This recipe is an absolute must-try for your holiday celebrations. Here’s why:
- Delicious combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberries.
- Perfect balance of flavors makes it a crowd favorite.
- Quick prep time of just 15 minutes.
- Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults.
- Easily adaptable for dietary preferences.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that don’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Here’s everything you need for this delightful stuffing:
- 3 cups bread crumbs – the base for your stuffing, providing texture.
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey – adds protein and heartiness.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – for that sweet and tart flavor.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion – enhances depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery – adds crunch and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a pop of color and herbaceous notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – for moisture and flavor.
- 1 large egg – helps bind the stuffing together.
How to Make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Creating this delicious stuffing is simpler than you think! Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups bread crumbs, 1 cup cooked ground turkey, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley thoroughly.
- Step 3: Add the 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 large egg to the mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 4: Using a spoon, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll into a ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake the stuffing balls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and serve warm alongside gravy or cranberry sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
These tricks guarantee success every time:
- Use fresh bread crumbs for better texture.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before baking to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary for a unique twist.
What’s the secret to perfect Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?
The key is balancing the sweet and savory elements. I always add a little extra thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Can I make Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?
Make sure not to overmix the ingredients; this can lead to dense stuffing. Also, ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Pair these stuffing balls with gravy or a homemade cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor. They also go beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Think of them as a delightful addition to any holiday spread!
Nutrition Facts for Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Per serving (1 stuffing ball):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
To store, allow the stuffing to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing
Can I freeze Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing?
Absolutely! These stuffing balls freeze well. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
What can I use instead of turkey?
For a vegetarian option, replace the turkey with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a similar texture.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Definitely! Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a lovely crunch, and you can also incorporate seasonal vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
What is the best way to season cranberry turkey stuffing?
Using fresh herbs like sage or thyme provides the best flavor. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
Variations of Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with your stuffing! Consider adding chopped apples for a sweet twist, or include nuts for added crunch. You can also try a Gourmet Cranberry Turkey Stuffing by mixing in some gourmet cheeses for a more decadent version.
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Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing: 5 Must-Try Recipes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a delightful holiday appetizer or side dish combining savory turkey, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs baked to golden perfection. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor and festive charm to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cooked ground turkey, dried cranberries, chopped onion, celery, and parsley thoroughly.
- Add the dried thyme, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and egg to the mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using a spoon, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll into a ball, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake the stuffing balls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and serve warm alongside gravy or cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
