Festive Cranberry Apple Stuffing Balls with Turkey Gravy and Fresh Cranberry Garnish

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Festive Cranberry Apple Stuffing Balls with Turkey Gravy

🍎 Festive Cranberry Apple Stuffing Balls with Turkey Gravy and Fresh Cranberry Garnish

✨ Introduction

Bring a festive twist to your holiday table with these Cranberry Apple Stuffing Balls!
Soft, flavorful stuffing is shaped into bite-sized balls, baked to golden perfection, and served with
rich turkey gravy and a fresh cranberry garnish. Perfect as a side or an appetizer, these little bites
combine savory herbs with sweet-tart cranberries and apples for a holiday explosion of flavor.

📋 Ingredients

For the Stuffing Balls:

  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 cup apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp fresh sage (or 1/2 tsp dried sage)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Turkey Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

🧁 Description

These stuffing balls are a delightful holiday side, blending the savory notes of classic herb stuffing
with the sweet tartness of cranberries and apples. The golden-baked balls are served with a smooth turkey gravy
that ties the flavors together, topped with fresh cranberries for a visually festive touch.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add apples, cranberries, thyme, and sage; cook for 2–3 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with the sautéed mixture.
  4. Pour in broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in the beaten egg and season with salt and pepper.

2. Form and Bake Stuffing Balls

  1. Shape the mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.

3. Prepare the Turkey Gravy

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in turkey stock and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Serve

  1. Place stuffing balls on a serving dish.
  2. Drizzle with turkey gravy and garnish with fresh cranberries and parsley.

💡 Tips

  • Use day-old bread for better texture; fresh bread may become mushy.
  • If you like a sweeter note, add a teaspoon of brown sugar with the apples.
  • Make ahead: Form the balls and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
  • Turkey gravy can be made from drippings for extra richness.
  • For extra crunch, bake on a wire rack so the balls cook evenly.

🔧 Corrections (Common Mistakes)

  • Stuffing balls fall apart: Make sure to use enough egg and press the mixture firmly.
  • Too dry: Add more broth a tablespoon at a time to reach a moist consistency.
  • Gravy too thin: Let it simmer longer or whisk in a bit more flour.
  • Gravy lumpy: Whisk continuously while adding stock to prevent lumps.

🥄 Enjoy!

Serve these festive cranberry apple stuffing balls warm, with rich turkey gravy and a sprinkle of fresh cranberries.
They’re perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a fun appetizer that will impress friends and family!


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