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Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls: A Flavorful and Healthy Holiday Treat
The holiday season calls for comfort food, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice health for flavor. Our Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a lean protein boost from ground turkey and a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries. They are a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing, and whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a festive gathering, or looking for a fun appetizer, these stuffing balls are sure to be a hit.
These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are not only easy to make but also low in calories and can be adjusted to fit within your Weight Watchers program. With each ball offering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and festive flavor, they are the ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier holiday feast without compromising taste.
Why Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
There are several reasons why these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are a great addition to your holiday spread:
- Lower in Calories and Fat: By using ground turkey instead of traditional pork or sausage, and cutting back on high-fat ingredients, these stuffing balls are a healthier alternative to classic stuffing recipes.
- Nutrient-Rich: The dried cranberries provide antioxidants and essential vitamins, while the turkey offers a lean source of protein. The herbs and spices such as sage and thyme add flavor without extra calories.
- Perfect for Weight Watchers: These stuffing balls fit seamlessly into the Weight Watchers program, allowing you to indulge in a flavorful holiday dish without overloading on points.
- Great for Meal Prep: These stuffing balls are versatile and freeze well, making them a great option for preparing meals ahead of time.
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe (Makes 16 Balls)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (use lean turkey for fewer points)
- 2 cups stuffing mix (use a low-sodium or whole wheat stuffing mix for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties are ideal)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 egg, beaten (or egg whites for a lower-calorie option)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (optional, for added flavor and crispiness)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that the stuffing balls do not stick and bake evenly. This is an essential step for easy cleanup after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, chicken broth, beaten egg, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients. The stuffing mix should absorb the chicken broth and egg, binding the mixture together and creating a moist, flavorful filling.
Step 3: Shape the Stuffing Balls
Once the mixture is fully incorporated, it’s time to form the stuffing balls. Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball roughly the size of a golf ball (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that they are spaced about 1–2 inches apart for even cooking.
Step 4: Add Butter for Crispiness (Optional)
For an extra boost of flavor and a crispier texture on the outside, brush each stuffing ball lightly with melted butter. If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can skip this step and the stuffing balls will still turn out deliciously moist.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The stuffing balls should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the stuffing balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These cranberry turkey stuffing balls are perfect served with a side of gravy or cranberry sauce. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack or appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Per Stuffing Ball)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g (from cranberries)
- Sodium: 180mg (varies based on the use of salt and broth)
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, particularly if you choose to add butter or use a different stuffing mix.
Weight Watchers Points Breakdown
For those following the Weight Watchers program, these cranberry turkey stuffing balls are 2 SmartPoints per ball on the Blue, Green, and Purple Plans. The points may vary slightly depending on specific ingredient choices, but this gives a general guideline for how to fit these into your daily plan.
How to Reduce Points:
- Omit the butter: Skipping the melted butter will reduce the points to 1 per ball.
- Use egg whites instead of a whole egg: This will further reduce the calorie content, making each ball only 1 point.
- Choose a lower-calorie stuffing mix: Opting for a lower-sodium or whole grain stuffing mix may help reduce the points while keeping the flavor intact.
Why These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Are Healthy
- Lean Protein Source
Using ground turkey as the main ingredient in these stuffing balls provides a lean source of protein, making these balls filling without being too high in fat. Protein helps with muscle maintenance and repair, and it promotes a feeling of fullness, helping you avoid overeating. - Rich in Fiber
The dried cranberries and stuffing mix contribute fiber to the recipe, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Fiber is also essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels, making these stuffing balls a great option for anyone managing their blood sugar. - Reduced Sodium
By using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling the salt added to the mixture, these stuffing balls are a great option for anyone trying to reduce their sodium intake, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation. - Antioxidants
Cranberries are known for their high antioxidant content, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall immune function. They are particularly beneficial for urinary tract health and for reducing inflammation.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Chill the Mixture: If you find the turkey mixture to be too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This will help the stuffing balls hold their shape during baking.
- Customize the Herbs: While sage and thyme are traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: These stuffing balls can be prepared ahead of time! Simply form the balls, place them on the baking sheet, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezing Option: These cranberry turkey stuffing balls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve with Gravy or Cranberry Sauce: While these stuffing balls are flavorful on their own, pairing them with a light gravy or fresh cranberry sauce can elevate their taste and add extra moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Holiday Appetizers: Serve as a fun finger food at your next holiday party. They make a great appetizer when paired with a light dipping sauce.
- Main Dish: Pair them with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a light but filling main course.
- Side Dish: Serve them alongside your turkey or ham for a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing at your Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
- On-the-Go Snack: These stuffing balls are portable and easy to snack on. Pack them in a lunchbox or take them to work for a protein-packed snack.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a perfect combination of lean protein, flavorful herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries, making them a healthy and delicious addition to your holiday table. They’re quick
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups stuffing mix
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter, melted (optional for extra flavor)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, dried cranberries, chicken broth, egg, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each ball with melted butter for extra crispiness (optional).
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the turkey is fully cooked and the stuffing balls are golden brown on the outside.
Serve hot and enjoy with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal per ball | Servings: 16 stuffing balls