Savory White Cheddar & Cranberry Stuffing Balls Recipe Perfect for Holidays

There’s something magical about the holidays—the crisp air, the laughter of loved ones, and the irresistible aroma of delicious food wafting through the house. And if you’re looking to add a show-stopping appetizer to your holiday spread, let me introduce you to my Savory White Cheddar & Cranberry Stuffing Balls. These delightful bite-sized treats are the perfect marriage of tangy cranberries, sharp white cheddar, and herby, comforting stuffing. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to become the star of your holiday table.

I first whipped up these stuffing balls as an experiment for Thanksgiving a few years ago, and they’ve been a staple ever since. With their golden-brown exterior and gooey cheesy center, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or attending a potluck, these stuffing balls are the appetizer everyone will be talking about. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These stuffing balls come together in under 45 minutes, making them perfect for busy holiday prep.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the rest are easy to grab at the store.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a festive dinner party, these stuffing balls are a hit with guests.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of savory stuffing, gooey white cheddar, and tangy cranberries will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these ahead of time and bake them right before serving, saving you from holiday stress.

Unlike traditional stuffing recipes, this version transforms the holiday classic into portable, poppable bites. Plus, the addition of white cheddar and cranberries adds a delicious twist. These aren’t just stuffing balls—they’re holiday magic wrapped in a crispy, golden package. I love how they bring a little extra cheer to the table, and I think you will too!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, approachable ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stuffing mix: Use your favorite boxed stuffing mix or homemade stuffing. Both work beautifully! (Choose a savory herb blend for the best flavor.)
• Chicken or vegetable broth: For moist, flavorful stuffing. Adjust the amount if your mix needs less liquid.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the stuffing moist.
• White cheddar cheese: Shredded or diced into small cubes for that gooey, cheesy center.
• Whole cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work great! Fresh ones give a tangy punch, while dried ones add a touch of sweetness.
• Eggs: Help bind the stuffing balls together to hold their shape while baking.
• Onion: Finely diced for added flavor and texture.
• Celery: Adds crunch and balance to the stuffing mix.
• Olive oil: For brushing on the stuffing balls to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried sage, and thyme to enhance the holiday flavors.

If you’re missing any of these, don’t worry! You can easily substitute or tweak based on what you have at home. For example, gouda or mozzarella could replace cheddar, and raisins could stand in for cranberries. Make it your own!

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet: A large, rimmed sheet works best to contain any melted cheese that might sneak out.
• Parchment paper: Keeps the stuffing balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls: One large bowl for the stuffing mix and smaller bowls for other ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for perfect stuffing balls.
• Cookie scoop or your hands: A scoop ensures evenly-sized stuffing balls, but your hands work just fine too!

Pro tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. It’ll still do the trick!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the stuffing mix: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chicken or vegetable broth, melted butter, diced onion, and celery. Stir until everything is evenly moistened. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
3. Add the eggs and cranberries: Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then mix them into the stuffing mixture. Add the cranberries and fold them in gently.
4. Incorporate the cheese: Add half of the shredded white cheddar to the stuffing mix and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Form the stuffing balls: Scoop out a small portion of the mixture (around 2 tablespoons) and press it into a ball shape. Place a small cube of white cheddar in the center, then cover it with the mixture and roll into a smooth ball.
6. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
7. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush each ball with olive oil. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the stuffing balls to cool for 5 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your stuffing balls turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t overmix: Be gentle when combining the ingredients to avoid breaking down the stuffing mix too much.
• Use fresh cranberries: If you’re using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly to distribute their tangy flavor better.
• Chill the mixture: If your stuffing mixture feels too wet, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before forming the balls.
• Test one ball: Bake one stuffing ball first to ensure it holds together. If it falls apart, add a bit more egg or breadcrumbs.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure the stuffing balls have space to crisp up evenly.

It might take a little practice to get the stuffing balls perfectly formed, but it’s worth every second.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up or tailor this recipe to fit dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check the labels on your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
• Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and use a vegan stuffing mix with plant-based broth and egg replacer.
• Seasonal Twist: Try adding chopped roasted chestnuts or diced apples for a festive flavor boost.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gruyère, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

I once added diced jalapeños to the mix, and the spice paired surprisingly well with the cranberries. Get creative and make these your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Savory White Cheddar & Cranberry Stuffing Balls are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a festive platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pair these stuffing balls with a tangy cranberry dipping sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor. They also go wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warm and crisp again. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These stuffing balls are indulgent but surprisingly balanced:

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per ball.
• Protein: Thanks to the white cheddar and eggs, each ball has around 5g of protein.
• Fiber: Cranberries add a touch of fiber, and whole-grain stuffing mix can boost it further.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the stuffing mix for a low-carb version if needed.

The cranberries add antioxidants, and the cheese provides calcium—making these bites a delicious option for holiday indulgence without going overboard.

Conclusion

Savory White Cheddar & Cranberry Stuffing Balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer. Easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable, they’re a surefire way to impress your guests. I love how they bring a touch of creativity and flavor to holiday gatherings, and I know you’ll fall in love with them too.

Savory White Cheddar & Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Print Recipe

These bite-sized stuffing balls combine tangy cranberries, sharp white cheddar, and herby stuffing for a show-stopping holiday appetizer.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 stuffing balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box stuffing mix (savory herb blend preferred)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup whole cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chicken or vegetable broth, melted butter, diced onion, and celery. Stir until evenly moistened and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then mix them into the stuffing mixture. Add the cranberries and fold gently.
4. Add half of the shredded white cheddar to the stuffing mix and stir until evenly distributed.
5. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and press it into a ball shape. Place a small cube of white cheddar in the center, cover it with the mixture, and roll into a smooth ball.
6. Place the stuffing balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
7. Lightly brush each ball with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the stuffing balls are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
9. Allow the stuffing balls to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the stuffing mixture to maintain texture.’, ‘Chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes if it feels too wet.’, ‘Test one stuffing ball first to ensure it holds together.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for even crisping.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffing ball
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 250
• Fat: 6
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Carbohydrates: 12
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 5

Keywords: stuffing balls, holiday appetizer, white cheddar, cranberry stuffing, Thanksgiving recipe, Christmas appetizer