Hot, Sweet And Sour Owens Sausage Balls
Hot, sweet, and tangy Owens sausage balls are flavorful appetizers with a spicy sausage core, complemented by a fruity, tangy sauce perfect for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sausage, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce thoroughly and form into walnut-sized balls.
- Set aside.
- Sauté chopped red bell pepper in margarine for about 1 minute.
- Add orange juice, Cointreau, marmalade, and vinegar to the pan.
- Continue to cook until the sauce is quite thick.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the Owens hot country sausage with a mild sausage or even a vegetarian option if preferred. If you don't have Cointreau, orange liqueur or even a splash of orange extract can work. Make sure to finely chop the onion and red bell pepper to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution in the sausage balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sausage balls hot with the sweet and sour sauce drizzled on top or as a dip on the side. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as Virgie'S Chicken Salad, or alongside some crunchy vegetable sticks. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will help retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot, Sweet And Sour Owens Sausage Balls contains roughly 454 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1305mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they're cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the sausage balls?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of orange marmalade?
If you don't have orange marmalade, you can substitute it with apricot jam or even a homemade sweet and sour sauce. The goal is to have a sweet element to balance the savory sausage and tangy sauce, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit preserves.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).