Sausage balls are one of those heavenly snacks that always seem to steal the show at gatherings! I remember the first time I tried them at a friend’s holiday party, and I couldn’t believe how delicious they were—savory, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. They’re the perfect finger food for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family get-together or a lively game day celebration. The combination of sausage and cheese, all rolled up into bite-sized balls, makes them a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again. Get ready for some serious flavor and compliments when you serve these at your next gathering!
Ingredients for Sausage Balls
Before you dive into making these delightful sausage balls, let’s gather everything you need! The ingredients are simple and straightforward, making this recipe a breeze. You’ll need just a handful of staples—trust me, you probably have most of them already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to create these savory bites that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage: I love using a good quality breakfast sausage for that classic flavor, but feel free to try spicy or herb-infused varieties for a twist!
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for that melty goodness, but you can mix it up with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- 1 cup biscuit mix: This is the magic ingredient that helps bind everything together and gives that wonderful texture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Just enough to bring the mixture together—don’t skip this part!
Optional Ingredients
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some extra flavors! A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of hot sauce can elevate these sausage balls to the next level. You could also throw in some chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. And if you want a cheesy surprise, try mixing in some cream cheese. The options are endless, so have fun experimenting!
How to Prepare Sausage Balls
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring those delicious sausage balls to life! This part is super fun and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray full of golden, cheesy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! You want your sausage balls to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheese, and biscuit mix. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Add in the milk and continue mixing until a dough forms. It should be moist but not sticky—if it feels too dry, add a splash more milk.
- Now, it’s time to roll! Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can do this quickly; it’s so satisfying!
- Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they’re spaced out a bit for even cooking.
- Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Tips for Successful Preparation
To get those sausage balls just right, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when rolling the balls, try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. I find that using a cookie scoop helps with this! Also, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; giving them space allows for better airflow and crispiness. If you want an extra burst of flavor, brush them lightly with melted butter right when they come out of the oven. Trust me, that little touch makes a big difference!
Nutritional Information for Sausage Balls
When it comes to enjoying these mouthwatering sausage balls, it’s good to know what you’re getting in each bite! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each sausage ball is approximately 150 calories, with about 10g of fat and 8g of protein. They also contain 400mg of sodium, so it’s wise to keep an eye on that if you’re watching your salt intake. Enjoy these tasty treats guilt-free, while also being aware of how they fit into your dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re super quick to prepare—perfect for when you need a last-minute snack or appetizer!
- Deliciously savory with a cheesy flair, these sausage balls are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- They’re versatile—great for game day, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in.
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip them up anytime without a trip to the store.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty, making them perfect for meal prep.
- They’re gluten-free, so they cater to a wider range of dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious sausage balls, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. But if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each ball in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag—great for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the sausage balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until they’re warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make them a bit soggy. Trust me, you want that perfect texture back!
FAQ About Sausage Balls
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely! Freezing sausage balls is a great way to keep them on hand for a quick snack. Just let them cool completely after baking, then wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You’ll be amazed at how well they hold up!
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
What can I serve with sausage balls?
Sausage balls are fantastic on their own, but they can be even better with some tasty dips! I love serving them with a zesty mustard sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. You could also go for a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce or even a spicy sriracha mayonnaise for those who like a kick. Pair them with some crunchy veggies or a fresh salad on the side for a complete snack spread that everyone will love!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your sausage balls turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think or if you made any fun variations. If you enjoyed this recipe, give it a rating! Your feedback helps me share even more delicious ideas. Happy cooking!
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Sausage Balls: 5 Irresistible Bites for Any Gathering
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sausage balls are a savory snack made with sausage and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix.
- Add milk and combine until a dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Add spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sausage balls
