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These Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining spicy sausage and sharp cheddar in every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect for any gathering or as a savory snack. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear!
Before You Start
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your sausage and cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend more smoothly and evenly.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has no added fillers.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
- Line Your Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This also helps the sausage balls cook more evenly.
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spicy Pork Sausage: I used spicy Italian sausage but you can use mild sausage if you prefer a less spicy version.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I prefer cheddar cheese in these rolls, but you can try different cheeses like Colby Jack, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Provolone or Fontina.
- Biscuit Baking Mix: I used Biscuit mix because it’s easier, but you can make your own biscuit baking mix.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper are my spices of choice, but feel free to experiment with different spices.
- Milk (Optional): You need a bit of milk to bind all the ingredients together. Any type of milk will work.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of spicy pork sausage (or mild if preferred), 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups of biscuit baking mix (e.g., Bisquick), ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. If your mixture seems dry or you prefer moister sausage balls, add ¼ cup of milk. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, using your hands to ensure thorough integration. Tips: Mixing by hand ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, this could result in tough sausage balls.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart as they will expand slightly while cooking. Tip: Use a small cookie scoop to form even balls. Also, even spacing helps the sausage balls cook uniformly.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage should be sizzling and the cheese melted and lightly browned.
Tip: Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Alternatively, you can air fry the sausage balls at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Tip: Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain their crispiness.
How To Serve
Sausage balls make a fantastic appetizer or snack, but they pair well with a variety of other dishes to create a complete meal. I like to serve them with dipping sauces and a mix of side dishes for a perfect spread. Here are some great options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Place the cooled sausage balls in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
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Sausage Balls
Sausage Balls combine spicy pork sausage and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful bite. These easy-to-make appetizers are perfect for parties or snacking and ready in just 35 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
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In a large bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If your mixture seems a little dry or you prefer moister sausage balls, add the milk. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. It’s easiest to use your hands for this to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart as they will expand a little while cooking.
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Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage should be sizzling and the cheese melted and lightly browned.
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Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add milk if the mixture seems dry to make the sausage balls moister.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1ballCalories: 140kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 7g (2%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 23mg (8%)Sodium: 311mg (14%)Potassium: 75mg (2%)Fiber: 0.2g (1%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 112IU (2%)Vitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 89mg (9%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
