Savory Sausage Balls
Savory sausage balls coated in a tangy sauce make a flavorful appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings, with a blend of spices and a sweet-savory glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine egg, sausage, stuffing mix, and sage; mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Add the meatballs to a large skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally.
- Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and discard.
- Add water, ketchup, chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar to the skillet; stir well.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a chafing dish if desired.
- Serve the meatballs with wooden picks.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or finely chopped onions into the sausage mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the herb stuffing mix with seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to cook the meatballs until they're thoroughly browned for the best texture and taste. Adjust the spiciness by using mild sausage or adding more chili sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
These savory sausage balls are perfect as appetizers or party snacks and pair wonderfully with a side of ketchup or honey mustard for dipping. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad like Kimberly'S Broccoli & Grape Salad. You can also set them out with other finger foods for a casual gathering, making them a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. This keeps them moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Sausage Balls contains roughly 53 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sausage balls. Simply shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
For a healthier option, you can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for the pork sausage. Vegetarian sausage or plant-based alternatives also work well if you're looking for a meat-free dish. Just ensure that the alternative has a similar texture to maintain the integrity of the meatballs.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while it's simmering. Alternatively, allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce it naturally, concentrating the flavors.
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).