Sausage cheese balls are a tasty treat perfect for parties or snacks! Made with spicy sausage, gooey cheese, and a touch of flour, these bites pack a lot of flavor.
They are super fun to make, and trust me, it’s hard to eat just one (or three!). I love serving them warm right out of the oven—they always disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork Sausage: Use your favorite sausage—mild for a subtle flavor or spicy for a kick! You can also opt for turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a leaner alternative.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the taste of sharp cheddar for an extra cheesy bite. If you want a different flavor, try pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder option.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the ingredients together. If you’re avoiding gluten, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can work as substitutes.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powders are optional, but they add great depth. Feel free to play around with Italian seasoning, paprika, or any spices you like!
How Do I Roll Perfect Balls Without a Mess?
Rolling the sausage mixture into balls can get sticky, but there are simple tricks. First, make sure your hands are slightly damp or lightly coated with oil, which helps the mixture glide off easier.
- Use a scoop to portion out the mixture evenly and keep your balls uniform in size.
- Roll gently between your palms to shape them, but don’t overwork the mixture—that can make them tough!
By keeping it simple and quick, you’ll have perfectly shaped sausage cheese balls every time! Enjoy the fun of making and eating these delightful bites!
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (optional for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Overall, you can expect a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s hot enough to bake those cheese balls perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until it’s well combined. It should be a sticky mixture with all ingredients evenly distributed.
3. Add Butter (If Using):
If you’re adding cold butter for extra richness, mix it in now. This will make your sausage balls a bit more delicious and moist!
4. Form the Balls:
Next, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball as they will expand while baking.
5. Bake!
Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the sausage cheese balls bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let the balls cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, serve the sausage cheese balls warm and enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or snack!
Happy cooking! You’re going to love these delicious bites!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but make sure to thaw it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick results.
How Can I Make These Sausage Cheese Balls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, roll it into balls and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Just bake them when you’re ready to enjoy—they’ll take the same amount of time in the oven!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sausage cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you can use other cheeses like pepper jack for spice, mozzarella for a milder taste, or even a mix of your favorites. Just be mindful of how the flavor will complement the sausage!