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As the holiday season approaches, homes fill with the delightful aroma of comforting dishes that bring warmth and joy to gatherings of friends and family. The festive spirit encourages us to indulge in culinary traditions that not only satisfy our taste buds but also create lasting memories. One such dish that embodies the essence of the season is Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls. These delectable morsels serve as the perfect addition to your holiday table, bringing together flavors that are both nostalgic and inviting.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Celebrate the holiday season with these Festive Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls! This delicious recipe combines savory ground turkey with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, creating a unique flavor and texture that will wow your guests. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these stuffing balls are nutritious, easy to make, and can be tailored to accommodate various dietary needs. Make your gatherings memorable with this delightful addition to your holiday table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

4 cups day-old bread, cubed (a blend of sourdough and whole grain works beautifully)

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or substitute with dried cranberries for a sweeter twist)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup celery, diced

1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ cup chicken broth (adjust as needed for moisture)

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional for added crunch)

Olive oil, for greasing the baking sheet

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and diced celery, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the celery is tender.

      Mix the Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the cubed bread, chopped cranberries, and the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Sprinkle in the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chopped walnuts, if you're adding them.

        Bind the Mixture: Pour in the chicken broth and add the beaten egg to the mixture. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until thoroughly combined. The mixture should feel moist but not overly wet. If it appears too dry, drizzle in a bit more chicken broth to achieve the right consistency.

          Form the Balls: With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and gently shape them into balls about the size of a golf ball (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter). Arrange the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for even cooking.

            Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To ensure a uniform golden brown color, turn the stuffing balls halfway through the baking time.

              Serve Warm: After baking, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These delightful bites can be enjoyed as a savory side dish or as a festive appetizer for any occasion.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 12 servings