There’s something undeniably magical about sausage balls. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a savory, cheesy center bursting with flavor. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist reaching for just one more. Whether it’s game day, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these little bites of heaven are sure to steal the show.
I remember the first time I made sausage balls for a family gathering. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, my cousin declared them the “official snack of our family reunions.” Since then, they’ve become a staple at every festive occasion. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for all those times when the world calls for something delicious and effortless.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sausage balls are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Their rich flavors and irresistible textures will have everyone coming back for more
- They look fantastic on any platter and can be enjoyed hot or cold
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or as party snacks!
My aunt couldn’t stop raving about these sausage balls after I made them for her birthday party last year.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite flavor; spicy or mild options work great for varying tastes.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully into the mixture.
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All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind everything together while giving the balls their signature texture.
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Baking Powder: A bit of baking powder adds fluffiness to each bite—yes, please!
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Garlic Powder: Adds a delightful depth of flavor—don’t skimp on this one!
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Onion Powder: This enhances the overall savory taste; it’s like a secret agent in your recipe.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors present in these sausage balls.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This not only keeps you organized but also builds excitement as you prep!
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until well combined—trust me; this is where the fun begins!
Scoop and Shape: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out small amounts of dough and shape them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake Until Golden: Pop those beautiful little balls into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but can also be savored at room temperature during gatherings.
Now you’ve got an impressive platter of sausage balls ready to impress! Enjoy this delicious recipe that promises to bring smiles around your table!
You Must Know
- Sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or cozy nights in
- The combination of sausage and cheese creates a delightful aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Easy to make, these bites of joy are sure to become a family favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients thoroughly before shaping them into balls and baking for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. This ensures even cooking, making your sausage balls crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option. Adding chopped green onions or jalapeños can give your sausage balls an exciting twist, catering to different tastes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, restoring their original crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect sausage balls, ensure the mixture is well-combined but don’t overwork it; this keeps them light and fluffy
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better meltability and flavor
- Experiment with spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra zest
A friend once told me that my sausage balls were so good, they could launch a thousand brunches! That compliment still makes me chuckle every time I whip up a batch.
FAQ
Can I freeze sausage balls for later?
Yes, uncooked sausage balls can be frozen; just bake them straight from frozen.
What dipping sauces pair well with sausage balls?
Try honey mustard or ranch dressing for delicious dipping options.
Can I use different cheeses in my recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work wonderfully in sausage balls.
Sausage Balls
Savor the mouthwatering goodness of homemade sausage balls, a perfect blend of savory sausage and rich cheddar cheese enveloped in a crispy exterior. These irresistible bites are ideal for any occasion—from game day snacks to holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they promise to be a crowd favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (24 sausage balls) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground sausage, grated cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sausage balls (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
