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🍎 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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add apples, cranberries, thyme, and sage; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with the sautéed mixture.
- 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
- Shape the mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
3. Prepare the Turkey Gravy
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in turkey stock and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve
- Place stuffing balls on a serving dish.
- 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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