Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are tasty bites made with sausage, cheese, and a touch of biscuit mix, making them super simple to whip up. Perfect for parties or snacking anytime!
These little gems are always a hit! I can’t resist popping a few while they’re still warm. Who can blame me? Cheddar and sausage are a match made in comfort food heaven!
When I make these, I love serving them with some spicy dipping sauce on the side. They’re great for any get-together and disappear fast—it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Choose your favorite sausage, either mild for a family-friendly option or spicy for a kick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage to cut back on fat.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the flavor, the better! While I love using sharp cheddar, you can substitute with medium cheddar or even pepper jack if you like extra heat.
Baking Mix: Bisquick is the classic choice here, but if you want to go gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking mix or make your own with almond flour and a leavening agent. This will still yield tasty results!
Green Onions: They add a nice fresh crunch, but if you don’t have any on hand, finely chopped chives or even regular onions can work great too. Just remember that raw onions have a sharper taste!
How Do I Ensure My Sausage Balls Are Nice and Moist?
Getting that perfect texture for sausage balls can be tricky, but here are some easy tips:
- Don’t overmix your ingredients. Just combine them until they are together to keep the texture light.
- Monitor your baking time closely. Sausage balls can dry out if baked too long. If they look golden after about 25 minutes, check them!
- Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This adds flavor and helps keep them moist.
Using these techniques helps ensure your sausage balls will be the star of the snack table! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll have delicious sausage balls ready in about an hour. Perfect for snacking or entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure the sausage balls bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the sausage balls won’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breakfast sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, baking mix, green onions (if you like), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy! Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended. The mixture will be thick and may feel a bit sticky; that’s okay!
3. Shape the Balls:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Aim to make them even in size for consistent baking. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them.
4. Bake the Sausage Balls:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for them to turn a lovely golden brown and also check that they are cooked through. You can cut one open to make sure there’s no pink inside!
5. Brush with Butter and Parsley:
While those delicious balls are baking, mix the melted butter and dried parsley flakes in a small bowl. Once the sausage balls are nice and golden, take them out of the oven. Brush them generously with the buttery parsley mixture to add that extra flavor we all love!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes so that they are easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy the tasty goodness! They make perfect appetizers for parties or just a delicious snack anytime!
These Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are sure to impress your friends and family, and they’ll definitely be asking for more!
Can I Freeze Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked sausage balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar gives a lovely flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder taste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture!
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer less heat, opt for mild breakfast sausage instead of spicy. You can also skip adding any spicy cheeses. Conversely, if you want to amp up the spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking!
