Oh my goodness, have you ever tried sausage balls? These little bites of heaven are the ultimate savory snack, and they always steal the show at every gathering I’ve attended! I remember the first time I made them for a family get-together. I was a little nervous, but as soon as I pulled them out of the oven, the warm, cheesy aroma filled the kitchen, and my family just couldn’t resist diving in. The combination of ground sausage and shredded cheddar creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible, and the best part? They’re super easy to whip up! Seriously, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that you can throw together in no time, look no further than these scrumptious sausage balls. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Sausage Balls
Alright, let’s get down to the delicious details! You’ll want to gather these simple ingredients to make your sausage balls truly scrumptious:
- 1 pound ground sausage – I love using a good quality sausage, and you can choose between spicy or mild, depending on your taste!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Trust me, the more cheese, the better! I always go for sharp cheddar for that extra flavor kick.
- 1 cup Bisquick mix – This is what helps bind everything together and gives that perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup milk – Just regular milk will do the trick. It adds moisture and helps combine the ingredients beautifully.
These ingredients are all super easy to find, and I bet you already have some of them in your kitchen! Now, let’s get ready to create some mouthwatering sausage balls!
How to Prepare Sausage Balls
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious sausage balls! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty treat to impress your friends and family in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures that your sausage balls cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown finish. So, go ahead and set that temperature while we mix everything else!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. You want to use your hands or a sturdy spoon to really blend them well. The mixture should be nice and cohesive, with the cheese evenly distributed throughout the sausage. Don’t be afraid to get in there—this is where the magic begins!
Add Bisquick and Milk
Now it’s time to add the Bisquick mix and milk to your sausage and cheese blend. Stir everything together until you achieve a uniform mixture. The Bisquick helps bind everything, so make sure there are no dry pockets left behind. It should be a slightly sticky, but not too wet, mixture that holds together beautifully.
Shape the Balls
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. I like to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly, but don’t stress if they’re a little irregular—this just adds to their charm! If you find the mixture is sticking to your hands too much, a quick wash or a sprinkle of Bisquick on your palms helps a lot!
Bake the Sausage Balls
Once you’ve shaped all your balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Now it’s time for the oven! Bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and oh-so-deliciously aromatic. You’ll know they’re done when they look irresistible and are slightly firm to the touch. Just wait until you pull them out—your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness of these delightful sausage balls! Each little ball is packed with flavor, and here’s what you can expect per serving (that’s one sausage ball):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, when it comes to delicious snacks, a little indulgence is totally worth it! Enjoy these tasty bites without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this recipe for sausage balls is a total game changer! Here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore making (and devouring) these little bites of joy:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just about 15 minutes. Perfect for when you need a last-minute snack or appetizer!
- Easy Ingredients: All you need are four simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. No fancy stuff here, just good old-fashioned deliciousness.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ground sausage and cheddar cheese creates a savory flavor that’s sure to please any palate. Seriously, they’re addictively good!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a party, a game day, or just a casual get-together, these sausage balls are always a crowd favorite. They disappear faster than you can say “yum!”
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a hearty breakfast. They fit perfectly into any occasion!
- Gluten-Free Option: Since we’re using Bisquick, make sure to grab a gluten-free variant if you need to cater to those dietary preferences. Everyone can enjoy them!
Trust me, once you make these sausage balls, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re just that good!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these amazing sausage balls, let me share some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. You’ll be the star of the snack table, trust me!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls. Just mix until everything is combined and looks well-blended.
- Adjust Seasonings: If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sausage mixture. It’ll give your balls an extra kick!
- Keep Them Uniform: Try to shape your sausage balls into the same size for even cooking. Using a small cookie scoop can help with this—plus, it’s a fun kitchen tool!
- Line Your Baking Sheet: I highly recommend using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your sausage balls as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for that lovely golden brown color and that they’re firm to the touch. If they need a few extra minutes, that’s okay—just don’t walk away!
- Let Them Cool: Once they’re out of the oven, give your sausage balls a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up a bit more before you dig in.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix it up! Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of your favorite cheeses for added flavor complexity.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a sausage ball pro in no time! Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these irresistible sausage balls, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! These delightful bites are incredibly versatile, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that will elevate your snack game:
- Dip It Up: Serve your sausage balls with a side of tangy barbecue sauce, zesty ranch dressing, or a spicy mustard for dipping. Trust me, the added flavor will take each bite to the next level!
- Fresh Veggies: Pair these savory morsels with a colorful platter of crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It not only looks beautiful but adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- Fruit Platter: A side of fresh fruit—think sliced apples, grapes, or juicy pineapple—complements the rich flavors of the sausage balls perfectly. The sweetness balances out the savoriness beautifully!
- Salad Time: Serve them alongside a light salad, like a classic Caesar or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens is a great contrast to the hearty sausage balls.
- Breakfast Spread: If you’re serving these for breakfast or brunch, why not include some scrambled eggs or a fluffy omelet? Add in some crispy bacon or hash browns, and you’ve got a hearty morning feast!
- Game Day Favorites: For a fun gathering, serve your sausage balls on a snack table with chips, pretzels, and a selection of dips. They make the perfect finger food for cheering on your favorite team!
With these suggestions, your sausage balls will shine as the star of the table! Mix and match according to your taste and the occasion, and get ready for everyone to rave about your delicious spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious sausage balls, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). Luckily, these tasty bites are super easy to keep for later, and you can enjoy them again with just a little reheating magic!
To store your sausage balls, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone before then!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat your sausage balls in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the sausage balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and that glorious aroma fills your kitchen once again. You want them to be nice and toasty, not soggy, so the oven is your best bet!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful! Pop them in for about 30 seconds at a time until heated through, keeping an eye on them to prevent overcooking. No one wants rubbery sausage balls!
And if you happen to have any leftovers after that, you can even freeze them for future snacking! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Easy peasy!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your sausage balls again and again. Happy snacking!
Print
Sausage Balls: 7 Irresistibly Delicious Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory snack made with sausage and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup bisquick mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sausage and cheese.
- Add the bisquick mix and milk to the bowl.
- Blend until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape 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.
- They can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sausage balls, appetizer, snack
