Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start the sausage ball magic, let’s get our ingredients ready. No need to worry about anything fancy; these are pantry staples that you probably already have at home. Here’s your shopping list:

• 1 pound of sausage (Feel free to choose any type – breakfast sausage or Italian sausage are popular, but go wild if you like spicy or mild!)
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can mix it up with mozzarella or a cheese blend if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 cup of biscuit mix (This is what makes the sausage balls nice and fluffy – so don’t skip it!)
• 1/4 cup of milk (Whole milk for that creamy texture, or low-fat if you’re being health-conscious)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (Garlic = magic)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder (Trust me, this makes everything taste better)
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (For a little zing)
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (Totally optional, but if you love a kick, sprinkle some in!)

Once you’ve gathered all of that, you’re all set to get started.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

Alright, time to roll up those sleeves! This is where the fun begins. Place your sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Now, get in there and mix it all up!

Pro tip: Don’t overmix it! We’re looking for a nice, doughy consistency. You want everything to come together but still leave some texture. Overmixing will result in tough sausage balls, and nobody wants that.

Use your hands (don’t be afraid to get messy!) or a spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated. When you see a dough-like mixture forming, you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Roll Into Balls

Here comes the fun part – shaping your sausage balls! Grab a spoon or just eyeball it, and roll the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball. You can go smaller if you prefer bite-sized snacks (and extra room for more).

Pro tip: If your hands start to stick to the sausage mixture, lightly grease your palms with a bit of cooking spray or rub a little butter on them. This makes rolling the balls a breeze.

If you want uniform balls, use a cookie scoop or your hands, but don’t stress about perfection. These are homemade, after all – a little variation just adds to the charm!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Once your sausage balls are rolled and ready, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for getting your sausage balls crispy on the outside while staying tender and cheesy on the inside.

Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking oil. Arrange the sausage balls on the sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can cook evenly.

Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they firm up and are cooked through in the middle.

Pro tip: Want that extra crispy finish? Toss them under the broiler for the last minute or so. It adds a perfect golden crunch on top!

Step 5: Serve & Devour!

Now that your sausage balls are baked to perfection, let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These little guys are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces – honey mustard, ranch, or even some spicy buffalo sauce.

Pro tip: While they’re delicious on their own, these sausage balls are like blank slates – feel free to get creative with the dipping sauces. Your guests will appreciate the variety (and so will your taste buds).

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage for the sausage balls?
Absolutely! If you’re not into breakfast sausage, you can try Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure it’s flavorful so your sausage balls have the right taste.

2. Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the sausage balls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect if you’re prepping for a party or holiday meal.

3. How do I store leftover sausage balls?
Leftovers? Not that there will be many 😜, but if you have any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results!

4. How do I know when my sausage balls are fully cooked?
Sausage balls are done when they are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. You can also cut one open to check that it’s fully cooked inside.

5. Can I add other ingredients to my sausage balls?
Of course! You can throw in extras like chopped green onions, jalapeños, or even some crumbled bacon if you want to make them extra decadent. Just be sure to balance the flavors so they don’t overpower the sausage!

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate sausage balls recipe in just 5 simple steps. These little bites of cheesy, sausage-y goodness are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to whip up a batch every week. Whether you’re snacking at home, prepping for a party, or trying to impress your friends with your cooking skills, these sausage balls are always a winner.

So, grab your ingredients, mix ‘em up, bake ‘em golden, and enjoy a snack that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Who knew the ultimate snack could be so simple? 🧀🌭