Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a legendary family recipe that's been passed down through generations! These irresistible sausage balls are more than just a snack – they're a culinary experience that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Crafted with a perfect blend of savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a secret baking mix, these bite-sized delights are about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Use your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of cheese and baking mix throughout the sausage.
- Gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring until the ingredients bind together and form a cohesive dough. The consistency should be firm enough to shape into balls without crumbling.
- Using clean hands, roll the mixture into uniform-sized balls, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. Space the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy on the exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to cool slightly and firm up.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm. These can be enjoyed as an appetizer, breakfast item, or party snack.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your sausage and cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing. This helps create a more uniform texture and easier mixing.
- Mix with Your Hands: Don't be afraid to get hands-on! Using your hands ensures the ingredients are thoroughly combined and helps create a consistent texture.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure each sausage ball is roughly the same size. This guarantees even cooking and a professional look.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the sausage balls tough and dense.
- Check for Doneness: The balls should be golden brown and sound slightly crisp when tapped. If they're browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: These are best served warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature – perfect for parties and potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 98kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
