These Sausage Cheese Balls are a perfect snack that’s cheesy, savory, and oh-so-easy to make! With just sausage, cheese, and a few simple ingredients, they come together in no time!
I love making these for parties or just a cozy movie night. They vanish quickly because they’re that tasty! Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Breakfast Sausage: This is the base of your sausage balls. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you need a leaner option, try turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a delicious twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold flavor, but you can switch it up with mild cheddar, pepper jack for a kick, or even mozzarella for a different feel. Just remember to shred your cheese for better melting!
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps these balls together. For a gluten-free alternative, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. They might be a little less fluffy, but still tasty!
Onions: The chopped onions add moisture and flavor to the mix. If you’re not an onion fan, feel free to skip them or use green onions for a milder taste.
Parsley: This is mainly for garnish. Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro would work too, or just leave it out for a simpler look!
How Do I Make Perfectly Round Sausage Balls?
Shaping your sausage balls can be a challenge, but here are a few tips to keep them uniform and round:
- Wet your hands slightly; this makes it easier to roll without sticking.
- Use a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture evenly before rolling them. This helps ensure they’re the same size.
- After forming a ball, gently roll them in your hands for a smoother finish.
- Place them on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
With these tips, your sausage cheese balls will come out perfectly round and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing baking sheet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have delicious, warm, cheesy sausage balls ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, the oven will be hot and ready for your sausage balls. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to keep them from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and any chopped onions if you chose to use them. Add the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Add the Eggs:
Crack in the two eggs and mix again, using your hands or a spoon, until everything is combined and looks sticky and cohesive. It’s okay for the mixture to be a little messy—that’s part of the fun!
4. Form the Balls:
Using your hands, form the mixture into balls that are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet so they have room to expand a bit while cooking.
5. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and be cooked all the way through when done.
6. Garnish:
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let your sausage cheese balls cool for a minute. Then, sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and flavor if you’d like!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious sausage cheese balls warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, cheese sauce, or a spicy mustard dip. They make for an awesome appetizer or snack!
Enjoy every bite of these crispy, cheesy treats!
Can I Use Low-Fat Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, low-fat sausage can be used in this recipe! Just keep in mind that it may produce a slightly different texture and less oily finish, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage cheese balls in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the tray with plastic wrap and they can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Sausage Cheese Balls?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked sausage balls. Just place them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
