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Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or hands for mixing
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. If desired, add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for extra flavor. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help bind the ingredients.
3. Shape the Balls
Using your hands, roll the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Serve
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they taste great at room temperature too.
Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sausage balls less cohesive. For the best texture, shred your own cheddar cheese.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough sausage balls.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To make perfectly sized sausage balls, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Fridge: Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat sausage balls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, though they won’t be as crispy.
Freezing:
- Freeze Before Baking: You can shape the sausage balls and freeze them raw. Place the formed sausage balls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Freeze After Baking: Baked sausage balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap cheddar cheese for a sharp white cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix of different cheeses for more flavor.
- Herb Sausage Balls: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist.
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
Sausage balls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level:
- Honey Mustard: A tangy, sweet dip balances the savory sausage and cheese.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and flavorful, ranch is a classic companion to sausage balls.
- BBQ Sauce: For a smoky, slightly sweet dip, try serving with your favorite BBQ sauce.
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