Sausage Cocktail Balls
Savory sausage cocktail balls are perfect for parties, featuring flavorful pork sausage and water chestnuts, served on picks with a tasty dipping sauce. Great for entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine the sausage, chopped water chestnuts, eggs, bread crumbs, and basil. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the rack of a broiler pan.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until browned. Drain well.
- Place the browned sausage meatballs in a lightly greased crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours.
- Serve the sausage cocktail balls on wooden picks with dipping sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also add finely chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution in each meatball.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage cocktail balls on wooden picks for easy eating at parties or gatherings. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce or a spicy mustard. These meatballs also complement well with appetizers like Spinach Salad And Warm Dressing or Oven Spaghetti for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sausage cocktail balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Cocktail Balls contains roughly 435 calories, with 14g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Shape and bake them the next day. This is a great way to save time, especially if you're serving them at a party.
What kind of sauce can I serve with these meatballs?
You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a homemade honey mustard. Each sauce adds a unique flavor that complements the savory meatballs.
Can I freeze the sausage cocktail balls?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated from frozen in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.
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).