Sausage Balls are a savory, mouth-watering treat that perfectly combines the flavors of seasoned sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and biscuit mix to create irresistible bite-sized delights. This simple yet delightful recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer for gatherings and parties. Not only are sausage balls incredibly easy to make, but they also offer the convenience of being prepared ahead of time, making them the perfect go-to snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day event, a holiday party, or just looking for a tasty snack, these sausage balls promise to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Balls:
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The perfect combination of meaty, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Versatile: Serve them as is, or with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for preparing in advance for parties, breakfasts, or as a snack throughout the week.
Ingredients Notes For Sausage Balls:
- Sausage: Use your favorite brand of raw pork sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated, provides the best flavor and melt.
- Biscuit Mix: A pre-made biscuit mix (like Bisquick) helps bind the ingredients together and adds a light, fluffy texture.
- Seasonings: Feel free to add additional spices or seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to customize the flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the raw sausage, grated cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, and any additional seasonings. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of milk to help everything come together.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g ground pork sausage (regular or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups 240g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups 240g all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder optional
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper optional for extra flavor
- Milk or water if needed, to moisten the mixture
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems too dry and isn't coming together, add a little milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Form the Sausage Balls:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not touching.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The exact time might vary based on your oven and the size of your sausage balls.
Serving:
- Allow the sausage balls to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. They can be served either warm or at room temperature.
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- While sausage balls are flavorful on their own, you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
