Sausage Balls With Cheese
Savory sausage balls with cheddar cheese and spices, baked to perfection. Perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings, offering a flavorful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the sausage, bread crumbs, chicken broth, nutmeg, and poultry seasoning in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Cook the sausage balls over low heat until browned on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, and shredded cheese.
- Cut in margarine with a pastry blender until the mixture is dry.
- Mix with hands until the dough is smooth.
- Shape the dough around each cooked sausage ball.
- Place the assembled balls on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot sausage instead of mild. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can serve as a substitute. To achieve a more tender texture, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the mixture. Ensure the sausage balls are evenly sized for consistent cooking, and don’t skip the paper towel step to absorb excess grease.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them with a side of tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or barbecue sauce, for extra flavor. They pair beautifully with Allyson Cook'S Party Chicken Salad for a delightful spread. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option, but be cautious to not overcook and dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Balls With Cheese contains roughly 111 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 freeze the sausage balls before or after baking?
Yes, you can freeze them both ways! If freezing before baking, shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. To reheat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work as substitutes. Keep in mind that using alternative flours may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the amount used to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make these sausage balls more cheesy?
To increase the cheesiness, you can add an additional half cup of shredded cheese into the sausage mixture before shaping them. Alternatively, consider mixing in different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
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).