Sweet And Sour Sausage Balls
Sweet and tangy sausage balls coated in a flavorful sauce make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sausage, eggs, and bread crumbs.
- Shape the mixture into small walnut-sized balls using your hands.
- Saute the sausage balls until browned on all sides.
- Drain the browned sausage balls.
- Mix catsup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce to prepare the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the sausage balls and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork. If you don’t have soft bread crumbs, you can pulse stale bread in a food processor. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic or chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the sausage mixture. Make sure the sausage balls are uniform in size for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and sour sausage balls make a fantastic appetizer or party snack. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. They pair well with sides like Creamy Bacon Salad or Tomato Corn Chowder for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve over rice or alongside grilled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sausage Balls contains roughly 1012 calories, with 20g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a healthier option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different meats may require adjustments.
What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?
If you’re out of soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or even Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the taste slightly.
How can I make these sausage balls spicier?
To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture before shaping the balls. This will give them a nice kick without overpowering the sweet and sour sauce.
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).