Savory Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Sausage balls! Just the name conjures up images of holiday gatherings, game day parties, and potlucks filled with delicious snacks. These little bites of savory goodness are a classic for a reason: they’re incredibly easy to make, undeniably delicious, and always a hit with guests. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect sausage balls, from choosing the right ingredients to baking them to golden-brown perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this foolproof guide will have you whipping up batches of these tasty treats in no time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these addictive sausage balls!
## What Makes These Sausage Balls So Good?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these sausage balls so irresistible. It’s a simple combination of ingredients, but the key is balance and quality:
* **Savory Sausage:** The foundation of any good sausage ball is, of course, the sausage! We’ll discuss choosing the right type below.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** The sharp cheddar adds a tangy, cheesy flavor that complements the sausage perfectly. The sharper the cheese, the more pronounced the flavor will be.
* **Baking Mix (Bisquick or Similar):** The baking mix provides structure and a light, fluffy texture to the balls. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a tender crumb.
* **Optional Add-ins:** While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, we’ll explore some variations and add-ins to customize your sausage balls.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these crowd-pleasing sausage balls:
* **1 pound Breakfast Sausage:** Choose your favorite brand and flavor. We’ll discuss options below.
* **2 cups (8 ounces) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded:** Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
* **3 cups Baking Mix (Bisquick or a similar brand):** Make sure your baking mix is fresh for the best results.
* **1/4 cup Milk (optional, for extra moisture):** This helps create a softer, more tender sausage ball.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
* 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (for extra richness)
## Choosing the Right Sausage
The sausage is the star of the show, so choosing the right one is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
* **Flavor:** Do you prefer mild, medium, or hot sausage? Consider your audience’s preferences. Mild sausage is a safe bet for most crowds, while hot sausage adds a spicy kick. Jimmy Dean’s regular or hot sausage are popular choices.
* **Fat Content:** Sausage with a higher fat content will result in more flavorful and moist sausage balls. However, too much fat can make them greasy. Look for sausage with a good balance of lean meat and fat. If your sausage seems excessively fatty, you can drain off some of the excess grease after cooking it (see instructions below).
* **Fresh vs. Pre-cooked:** Use fresh, uncooked breakfast sausage for this recipe. Pre-cooked sausage won’t have the same flavor or texture.
* **Brand:** Experiment with different brands to find your favorite. Each brand has its own unique blend of spices and seasonings.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get down to business and make some delicious sausage balls! Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
**Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for even baking.
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the sausage balls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
**Step 2: Prepare the Sausage (Optional)**
* While not always necessary, browning the sausage slightly before mixing can enhance the flavor and reduce the amount of grease in the finished product. If you choose to do this:
* Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable).
* Crumble the sausage into a skillet over medium heat.
* Cook until lightly browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Don’t overcook it; you just want to brown it slightly.
* If there’s a lot of grease in the skillet, drain off the excess. Allow the sausage to cool slightly before proceeding.
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked (or uncooked) sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix.
* If using, add any optional ingredients, such as chopped green onions, herbs, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes.
**Step 4: Mix Well**
* Use your hands (or a sturdy spoon) to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. This can take a few minutes. The mixture should be evenly combined and slightly sticky. Don’t overmix, as this can make the sausage balls tough.
* If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it comes together. The goal is to have a mixture that holds its shape easily when formed into balls.
**Step 5: Form the Sausage Balls**
* Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size.
* Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
**Step 6: Bake**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 7: Cool and Serve**
* Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
* Serve warm. These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be reheated.
## Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can make the sausage balls tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh cheese and baking mix will give you the best flavor and texture.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the sausage balls. Bake just until they are golden brown and cooked through.
* **Use a Cookie Scoop:** A cookie scoop will help you make uniform sausage balls, which will bake more evenly.
* **Make Ahead:** Sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
## Variations and Add-ins
Want to get creative with your sausage balls? Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:
* **Cream Cheese Sausage Balls:** Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture for extra richness and tanginess.
* **Spicy Sausage Balls:** Use hot sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Balls:** Add 1/4 cup of finely diced jalapeños to the mixture for a cheesy, spicy treat.
* **Everything Bagel Sausage Balls:** Add 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning to the mixture for a savory, flavorful twist.
* **Italian Sausage Balls:** Use Italian sausage and add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the mixture.
* **Maple Sausage Balls:** Use maple-flavored sausage for a sweet and savory combination. Consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup after baking.
* **Cranberry Sausage Balls:** Perfect for the holidays! Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries to the mixture for a festive touch.
* **Spinach and Artichoke Sausage Balls:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped spinach and 1/4 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the mixture for a healthy and flavorful twist.
## Serving Suggestions
Sausage balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a party appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce.
* **Breakfast:** Add them to your breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.
* **Brunch:** Include them in a brunch buffet for a crowd-pleasing dish.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a savory snack any time of day.
* **Potluck:** Bring them to a potluck for a guaranteed hit.
* **Holiday Gathering:** Sausage balls are a classic holiday appetizer that everyone will love.
## Dipping Sauce Ideas
While sausage balls are delicious on their own, a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas:
* **Honey Mustard:** A classic pairing that’s both sweet and tangy.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and comforting choice.
* **BBQ Sauce:** Adds a smoky and sweet flavor.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or other hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Cheese Sauce:** A rich and cheesy option that complements the sausage flavor.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A festive choice for holiday gatherings.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like it hot!
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Sausage balls are a great make-ahead appetizer, which is perfect for busy schedules or entertaining:
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply roll the mixture into balls and bake as directed.
* **Freezing:** Sausage balls can also be frozen for longer storage. Roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 2 hours, or until the balls are firm. Then, transfer the frozen sausage balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover sausage balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
## Troubleshooting
* **Sausage balls are too dry:** Add a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture to moisten it.
* **Sausage balls are too greasy:** Drain off excess grease from the cooked sausage before mixing. You can also use a leaner sausage.
* **Sausage balls are too bland:** Add more seasoning, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes.
* **Sausage balls are falling apart:** Make sure you are mixing the ingredients thoroughly. You may also need to add a little more baking mix to bind the ingredients together.
* **Sausage balls are burning on the bottom:** Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. You can also try placing a baking sheet underneath the baking sheet with the sausage balls to prevent the bottom from burning.
## Recipe Card
**Savory Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Total Time:** 35-40 minutes
**Yield:** About 30 sausage balls
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Breakfast Sausage
* 2 cups (8 ounces) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
* 3 cups Baking Mix (Bisquick or a similar brand)
* 1/4 cup Milk (optional)
* Optional Add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into a skillet. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, then drain off any excess grease and let cool slightly (optional).
3. In a large bowl, combine sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Add any optional ingredients.
4. Mix well with your hands until thoroughly combined. If the mixture is too dry, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until mixture comes together.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.
## Enjoy!
These sausage balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature recipe. Happy cooking!