When it comes to party appetizers, sausage balls are a timeless favorite. This recipe takes them to the next level by adding cream cheese, making each bite irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these sausage balls are easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone. Get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic treat!
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the room-temperature sausage with the biscuit baking mix using your hands until they are well combined.
- Incorporate the shredded Cheddar cheese into the sausage mixture and mix until fully integrated.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 30 balls, each about the size of a walnut, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, brought to room temperature
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 3960 | Total Fat: 285g | Total Carbohydrates: 165g | Total Protein: 195g | Saturated Fat: 135g | Cholesterol: 735mg | Sodium: 9900mg | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 3735mg | Iron: 15mg | Potassium: 1875mg
FAQ
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the sausage balls?
- It’s best to avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Shredding your own cheese helps the mixture hold together better.
- What type of sausage is recommended for more flavor?
- For a spicier kick, you can use hot breakfast sausage or even add some minced garlic to enhance the flavor. Some people also mix regular sausage with spicy sausage for a balanced taste.
- How do I ensure the sausage balls stay together during baking?
- Make sure the sausage is at room temperature for better mixing. Mixing the ingredients thoroughly, and possibly adding a scrambled egg, can help the mixture stick together. Wetting your hands slightly when rolling the balls can also aid in keeping them intact.
- Why did my sausage balls turn out too dry?
- If the mixture seems too dry, it might be due to using too much biscuit mix. Consider reducing the amount by half a cup or ensuring the sausage is at room temperature for easier mixing. Adding a bit of moisture, like a scrambled egg, can also help.
- How can I serve the sausage balls for a party?
- Sausage balls are versatile and can be served with various dips such as a mix of mayonnaise and spicy mustard or a warm pineapple sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
Tips
- Ensure the sausage is at room temperature before mixing; this helps the biscuit mix incorporate more smoothly and prevents the mixture from being too dry.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese to avoid any additives that may prevent proper mixing and to enhance the flavor and texture of the sausage balls.
- For additional flavor, consider incorporating hot sausage or adding ingredients such as minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- If the mixture is too dry and difficult to form into balls, wet your hands slightly while assembling them to help the mixture stick together better.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have one, a good quality baking sheet is essential for baking the sausage balls.
- Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized sausage balls, a cookie scoop can be very helpful.
- Cheese Grater – If you don’t already have one, a cheese grater is needed to shred the block of Cheddar cheese.
- Large Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is necessary to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
