Doritos Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Party Snack Recipe

Doritos Sausage Balls are a flavorful twist on the classic sausage ball appetizer. The addition of crushed Doritos adds a delightful crunch and cheesy, savory flavor that will make them a hit at any gathering. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for parties, game day, or a quick snack. Get ready to elevate your sausage ball game with this irresistible Doritos Sausage Balls recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and simple, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sausage, cheese, and Doritos creates a delicious and addictive flavor profile.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These sausage balls are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the recipe with different types of sausage, cheese, or Doritos to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular or spicy)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 bag (9.75-10.75 ounces) Doritos, crushed
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra spice)

## Equipment

* Large mixing bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin (for crushing Doritos)
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Doritos

* **Using a Food Processor:** Place the Doritos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Be careful not to over-process them into a powder. You want to maintain some texture.
* **Using a Resealable Bag:** Place the Doritos in a large resealable bag. Seal the bag tightly and use a rolling pin or your hands to crush the Doritos into small pieces. Again, aim for a texture that’s not too fine.
* Pour the crushed Doritos into a shallow dish or plate. This will make it easier to coat the sausage balls later.

### 2. Mix the Ingredients

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, breakfast sausage, green onions (if using), garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

### 3. Form the Sausage Balls

* Roll the sausage mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a small cookie scoop to ensure consistent size.
* Place the formed sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

### 4. Coat with Doritos

* One at a time, roll each sausage ball in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the Doritos adhere to the surface. Make sure each ball is well-coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
* Place the coated sausage balls back on the prepared baking sheet.

### 5. Bake the Sausage Balls

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Bake the sausage balls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

### 6. Serve and Enjoy

* Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Serve warm and enjoy! These Doritos Sausage Balls are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or a spicy mayo.

## Tips and Variations

* **Type of Sausage:** You can use regular or spicy breakfast sausage depending on your preference. For a milder flavor, opt for regular sausage. For a spicier kick, use hot or spicy sausage.
* **Type of Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
* **Type of Doritos:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Doritos. Nacho Cheese Doritos are a popular choice, but Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or even Flamin’ Hot Doritos can add a unique twist.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the sausage balls with a variety of dipping sauces to suit different tastes. Ranch dressing, cheese sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy mayo are all great options.
* **Make-Ahead Instructions:** You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing Instructions:** To freeze the sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Party Appetizer:** These Doritos Sausage Balls are the perfect appetizer for parties, game day, and holiday gatherings.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them as part of a breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Potlucks:** Bring them to potlucks and watch them disappear quickly.
* **Kids’ Lunches:** Pack them in kids’ lunches for a fun and tasty treat.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 80-100 per sausage ball
* Fat: 6-8 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams
* Carbohydrates: 2-4 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?**
A: Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.

**Q: Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?**
A: Definitely! Feel free to try different Doritos flavors like Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or Flamin’ Hot Doritos.

**Q: How do I prevent the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet?**
A: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

**Q: How do I ensure the Doritos stick to the sausage balls?**
A: Gently press the sausage balls into the crushed Doritos to ensure they adhere to the surface. You can also lightly moisten the sausage balls with water or milk before coating them.

**Q: Can I make these without cream cheese?**
A: Cream cheese adds moisture and richness to the sausage balls, but you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt if needed. The texture and flavor may be slightly different.

**Q: How do I store leftover sausage balls?**
A: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer before serving.

**Q: Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?**
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients like chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor of the sausage balls.

## Conclusion

Doritos Sausage Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic appetizer. With their crunchy Doritos coating and savory filling, they’re sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and can be customized to suit your preferences. So, grab a bag of Doritos and get ready to elevate your sausage ball game! Your friends and family will thank you.

Enjoy your Doritos Sausage Balls! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and once you try it, you’ll be making it for every occasion. Happy cooking!