Looking for an easy and delicious southern living sausage balls recipe to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the classic sausage balls recipe. With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, game day, or any other occasion.
To make sausage balls, you’ll need ground sausage, baking mix (such as Bisquick), and shredded cheese. Simply mix these ingredients together, form them into balls, and bake until golden brown and cooked through. You can even customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Understanding Sausage Balls
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or party food, sausage balls might be just what you need. Sausage balls are essentially meatballs made with pork sausage and cheese, often flavored with herbs and spices. They’re a popular snack in the Southern United States and are often served at breakfast or brunch gatherings.
To make sausage balls, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: ground pork sausage, baking mix (such as Bisquick), shredded cheese (usually cheddar), and milk. You’ll mix these ingredients together in a bowl, shape the mixture into small balls, and bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. You can use different types of sausage (such as hot or mild), add in extra spices or herbs (like garlic or sage), or use different types of cheese (like pepper jack or mozzarella). Some recipes even call for adding in other ingredients like chopped vegetables or bacon bits.
One of the great things about sausage balls is that they’re easy to make in large batches, making them perfect for parties or potlucks. They can be served hot or at room temperature, and they’re often paired with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Overall, sausage balls are a tasty and crowd-pleasing appetizer that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast dish or a party snack, sausage balls are a delicious and easy-to-make option that you’re sure to love.
Ingredients Required
When it comes to making sausage balls, there are a few key ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. In this section, we’ll break down the main ingredients and any optional add-ons that you can use to customize your recipe.
Main Ingredients
Ground Pork Sausage
Ground pork sausage is the star of the show when it comes to sausage balls. You can use hot or mild sausage depending on your preference, but most recipes call for hot sausage to add a little kick of spice. Make sure to buy uncooked sausage so that it can be easily mixed with the other ingredients.
Baking Mix
Baking mix is used to bind the sausage and cheese together and create the perfect texture for sausage balls. You can use a store-bought mix like Bisquick or make your own at home with pantry staples. A biscuit baking mix will work best, but you can also use a pancake mix in a pinch.
Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese in sausage ball recipes, but you can also use other types of cheese like parmesan or shredded cheddar. The cheese adds flavor and helps to hold the sausage balls together.
Milk
Milk is used to moisten the mixture and make it easier to form the sausage balls. You can use any type of milk you have on hand, including whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk.
Optional Add-ons
Herbs and Spices
You can add herbs and spices to your sausage ball mixture to give it an extra boost of flavor. Some popular options include cayenne, mustard, parsley, chili sauce, salt, garlic powder, and rosemary.
Sweeteners
If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your sausage balls, you can use maple syrup or honey mustard in the mixture.
Other Meats
You can mix in other types of meats like turkey sausage or smoked sausage to add some variety to your sausage balls.
Barbecue Sauce
For a tangy twist, you can mix in some barbecue sauce to the sausage ball mixture.
Overall, sausage balls are a versatile and easy-to-make appetizer that can be customized to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious sausage balls in no time.
Preparation Process
Making this southern living sausage balls recipe is a simple and straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. In this section, we will go over the steps involved in preparing these delicious treats, including mixing the ingredients, forming the balls, and baking them to golden brown perfection.
Mixing the Ingredients
To make sausage balls, you will need ground sausage, biscuit mix, and shredded cheese. You can use any type of sausage you like, but spicy sausage works particularly well in this recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, biscuit mix, and shredded cheese. You can mix the ingredients by hand or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the sausage balls tough.
If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of milk to moisten it. If it seems too wet, you can add a bit more biscuit mix. The goal is to achieve a moist but not overly wet mixture that will hold together when formed into balls.
Forming the Balls
Once the sausage mixture is ready, it’s time to form it into balls. You can use a cookie scoop to make uniform balls, or you can form them by hand. If you’re using your hands, be sure to wet your fingers with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make around 24-30 sausage balls with this recipe. If the mixture is crumbly and won’t hold together, add a bit more milk or water to moisten it.
Baking the Sausage Balls
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a sausage ball. If it comes out clean, the sausage balls are ready.
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them hot or at room temperature, and they are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
If you want to make sausage balls ahead of time, you can prepare the uncooked sausage balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake them, simply place them on a baking sheet, spray them with cooking spray, and bake as directed. Cooked sausage balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your sausage balls:
Serve as an Appetizer
Sausage balls make an excellent appetizer for any occasion. They are easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to eat. To serve, simply place the sausage balls on a platter and provide toothpicks or small forks for your guests to use. You can also add some garnish, such as chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, to make them look more appetizing.
Dip with Sauces
Sausage balls are perfect for dipping. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. You can serve the sauces on the side or drizzle them over the sausage balls. If you are serving the sausage balls with dipping sauces, make sure to provide small bowls or ramekins for your guests to use.
Leftover Ideas
If you have leftover sausage balls, don’t worry. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, or even eat them cold. Here are some ideas for using leftover sausage balls:
- Crumble them over a salad for added flavor and protein.
- Use them as a topping for pizza or flatbread.
- Make a breakfast sandwich by placing a sausage ball between two pieces of toast or an English muffin.
- Chop them up and add them to scrambled eggs or an omelet.
Other Dipping Sauces
While sausage balls go well with many dipping sauces, you can also experiment with other flavors to find your perfect match. Here are some other dipping sauces you can try:
- Sriracha mayo: mix together mayonnaise and Sriracha hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet chili sauce: a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the savory flavor of sausage balls.
- Blue cheese dressing: a classic dipping sauce that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the sausage balls.
- Marinara sauce: a tomato-based sauce that goes well with Italian-inspired sausage balls.
How to Store Leftover Sausage Balls
After making a batch of delicious sausage balls, you may wonder how to store them properly and how to reheat them without losing their flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you store and reheat your sausage balls:
Storage
- Refrigerator: If you plan to eat your sausage balls within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let them cool down to room temperature before storing them. Sausage balls can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: If you want to store your sausage balls for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Sausage balls can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
- Microwave: To reheat your sausage balls in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until they are heated through.
- Oven: To reheat your sausage balls in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place your sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through.
- Toaster Oven: To reheat your sausage balls in a toaster oven, preheat your toaster oven to 350°F. Place your sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through.
- Air Fryer: To reheat your sausage balls in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place your sausage balls in the air fryer basket and air fry them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your sausage balls anytime you want without compromising their taste and texture.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to be aware of the nutritional information of sausage balls. A serving size of one ball contains around 56 calories, with 3.61g of total fat, 1.77g of saturated fat, and 9mg of cholesterol. However, it also provides 3.21g of carbohydrates and 0.1g of fiber.
While sausage balls are a good source of protein, with one ball providing approximately 1g of protein, they are also high in sodium, with one ball containing around 128mg of sodium. This is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake.
It’s worth noting that sausage balls are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals. However, they do contain some calcium and iron. One ball provides around 1% of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 2% of the recommended daily intake of iron.
If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that sausage balls may contain gluten and trans fats, depending on the recipe. Be sure to check the ingredients and nutritional information carefully if you have any concerns.
Overall, while sausage balls can be a tasty treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation and be aware of their nutritional information.
Additional Tips and Tricks for this Southern Living Sausage Balls Recipe
Making sausage balls is a simple and straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results possible.
Use Parchment Paper
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet can make cleanup a breeze. It also helps prevent the sausage balls from sticking to the pan, ensuring that they come out perfectly shaped and intact.
Mix with a Wooden Spoon or Stand Mixer
While it’s certainly possible to mix the ingredients for sausage balls by hand, using a stand mixer or wooden spoon can make the process much easier and more efficient. A stand mixer can help ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed, while a wooden spoon can help you work the mixture together more quickly.
Add Chives for Extra Flavor
Chives are a great way to add a burst of flavor to your sausage balls. Simply chop up a handful of fresh chives and mix them into the sausage ball mixture before shaping and baking.
Serve for Lunch or Holiday Breakfasts
Sausage balls are a hearty and delicious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. They make a great addition to a lunchbox or a holiday breakfast spread, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Try Betty Crocker’s Sausage Ball Recipe
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true sausage ball recipe, look no further than Betty Crocker’s classic version. Made with Bisquick, sausage, and cheese, it’s a simple and delicious option that’s sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sausage ball recipe?
The best sausage ball recipe is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. However, a popular recipe is the classic three-ingredient sausage ball recipe that uses sausage, biscuit mix, and cheddar cheese.
How do I make moist sausage balls?
To make moist sausage balls, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or cream cheese to the mixture. You can also use a combination of hot and mild sausage to add more flavor and moisture.
What are some variations of sausage ball recipes?
There are many variations of sausage ball recipes that you can try. You can add different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, or add herbs and spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper for a kick of flavor. You can also substitute the sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
What is the Southern Living sausage ball recipe?
The Southern Living sausage ball recipe is a popular variation that uses cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce in addition to the classic ingredients. The recipe also includes a mixture of hot and mild sausage for added flavor.
What can I serve with sausage balls for dinner?
Sausage balls can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. For dinner, you can serve them with a side salad or roasted vegetables. They also pair well with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
Why do my sausage balls burn on the bottom?
If your sausage balls are burning on the bottom, it could be because your oven temperature is too high or your baking sheet is too close to the heating element. To prevent burning, lower the oven temperature and move the baking sheet to a lower rack in the oven.
