When it comes to holiday gatherings, having a few crowd-pleasing appetizers can make all the difference. One standout choice this season is Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin Stuffing Bites. These delicious morsels combine the best of Thanksgiving flavors into perfectly portioned bites that are easy to serve and even easier to eat. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or an intimate gathering, these bites are bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Bites
Imagine the savory goodness of ground turkey mixed with the sweetness of cranberries, infused with aromatic herbs like sage and thyme. These stuffing bites don’t just taste like the holidays – they embody them. What’s even better? They’re versatile! Serve them as appetizers, sides, or even on their own with cranberry sauce or gravy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the stuffing bites, gather a blend of savory and sweet ingredients to get that perfect holiday balance:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup each of chopped celery and onion
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For an optional crispy coating:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment or a light coat of oil.
2. Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, celery, onion, broth, egg, and spices. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well blended.
3. Form the Bites
Take a bit of the mixture and roll it into 1 1/2-inch balls – the size of a hearty meatball. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Add the Coating (Optional)
For an extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan in a small dish. Roll each stuffing ball in the mixture for a golden, crispy finish.
5. Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
After letting them cool slightly, serve the stuffing bites with a side of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of warm gravy for extra holiday flavor.
Tips for Serving
- Perfect Party Food: Serve them warm on a platter, garnished with a few fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for that festive touch.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the mixture a day ahead, roll into balls, and refrigerate. On the day of your gathering, just coat (if desired) and bake.
- Dip Ideas: Cranberry sauce is classic, but don’t shy away from experimenting with a honey mustard dip, herbed yogurt sauce, or even aioli for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin Stuffing Bites bring all the comfort and warmth of a holiday feast into a single, delightful bite. With every mouthful, you get a blend of flavors that’s both festive and deeply satisfying. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. So, add these bites to your holiday menu and watch them disappear!
PrintCranberry Turkey Tenderloin Stuffing Bites
Description
Elevate your holiday menu with these Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin Stuffing Bites. The savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberries blend perfectly with aromatic herbs, transforming traditional stuffing into delightful, handheld treats that make an ideal appetizer or side dish for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing Bites:
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups prepared stuffing mix
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
1 large egg
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Coating (optional):
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat of grease.
2. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, prepared stuffing mix, cranberries, celery, onion, broth, egg, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Form the Stuffing Bites:
Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place them on the baking sheet.
4. Coat the Stuffing Bites (optional):
To add a crispy exterior, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Roll each stuffing ball in the mixture, coating them before returning to the baking sheet.
5. Bake the Stuffing Bites:
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the stuffing bites to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with cranberry sauce or gravy.
These Cranberry Turkey Tenderloin Stuffing Bites capture the essence of holiday flavors in one bite, promising to be a favorite at your festive events.