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Easy Turkey Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

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These easy turkey stuffing bites with cranberry dipping sauce are a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that tastes like Thanksgiving in handheld form. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they feature a crispy exterior and soft, herby interior, paired with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped or shredded
  • 4 cups stale bread cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth, low-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prep your bread: If your bread isn’t stale, cut it into 1/2-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Toast at 300°F for 8-10 minutes until dry but not browned. Set aside to cool.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In your skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked turkey, dried sage, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss until herbs are evenly distributed.
  4. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and chicken broth. Pour over the bread and turkey mixture. Add sautéed onions, celery, and garlic. Stir gently until bread is moist but not soggy. Let sit for 5 minutes so bread absorbs liquid.
  5. Form the bites: Using your hands, scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into a compact ball or oval. You should get about 12 to 14 bites. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
  6. Heat the pan: Wipe out your skillet and place over medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil. Let butter melt and foam, swirling to combine.
  7. Pan-fry the bites: Carefully place stuffing bites in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip. Transfer cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if making multiple batches.
  8. Make the cranberry dipping sauce: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of cinnamon. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly thinned. Alternatively, microwave in a bowl for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until warm.
  9. Serve immediately: Arrange warm stuffing bites on a platter with cranberry dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Don’t overmix the stuffing; bread cubes should retain some texture. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before forming bites to absorb liquid. Use medium-high heat, not high, to avoid burning. Don’t crowd the pan to ensure crispy bites. Make the sauce first to streamline. For freezing, freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; cook from frozen adding 2 extra minutes per side.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey stuffing bites, cranberry dipping sauce, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy weeknight dinner, pan-fried stuffing

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-turkey-stuffing-bites-with-cranberry-dipping-sauce/