# Irresistible Turkey Stuffing Balls for Your Festive Feast
Delightfully savory and full of flavors, these Turkey Stuffing Balls will surely be a hit at your dinner table. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy family dinners, they are an interesting spin on the traditional stuffing. Serve them with gravy or cranberry sauce to add more delight to your meal!
## Why Make Turkey Stuffing Balls?
Turkey Stuffing Balls are a great way of serving a rich, flavorful yet simple meal. They incorporate the elements of a traditional stuffing and present it in a friendly, portion-controlled way. Bite-sized and packed with flavor, these balls make an appealing side dish or appetizer that is perfect for parties or family gatherings.
## How to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
Making these stuffing balls is a breeze! The process involves sautéing vegetables in olive oil, combining them with bread cubes and broth, then adding ground turkey and eggs to complete the stuffing. They are then shaped into balls and baked until golden and delicious.
### Ingredients
– 3 cups cubed bread, preferably day-old
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 lb ground turkey
### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil until soft. Stir in dried cranberries, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread cubes. Add chicken broth and mix until the bread absorbs the liquid.
5. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the beaten eggs and ground turkey. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Shape the mixture into 12 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the Turkey Stuffing Balls cool slightly before serving.
## How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Turkey Balls can be served hot from the oven as a side dish or appetizer. Serve them with your choice of gravy or cranberry sauce on the side, and enjoy the festive flavors!
## How to Store Turkey Balls
Store leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Heat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
## Tips to Make Turkey Stuffing Balls
– For best results, use day-old bread. Fresh bread may become too soggy.
– You may substitute the chicken broth with beef or turkey broth for different flavors.
– Be sure to let the stuffing mixture cool slightly before adding the beaten eggs, so they don’t cook before baking.
– The vegetables should be finely chopped for the best texture and distribution in the stuffing.
## Variations
– Add in some cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier stuffing.
– For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
## FAQs
#### Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can, but they might add more moisture and a bit of a tart flavor to the Stuffing Balls.
#### Q: I don’t have day-old bread. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have day-old bread, lightly toast your bread slices before cubing them.
#### Q: Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?
A: Yes, the stuffing mixture can be prepared a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and baked when needed.