Indulge in the savory goodness of cheddar bay sausage balls, a delightful fusion of flavors that are sure to impress your guests. These bite-sized treats combine the classic taste of cheddar biscuits with the heartiness of sausage, making them an ideal choice for parties, game days, or any gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups biscuit mix
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 sausage balls. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 sausage ball) contains approximately 120 calories, 9g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein. This information is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add the biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
4. Gradually mix in the milk to form a dough-like consistency.
5. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
6. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute breakfast sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free biscuit mix. Additionally, feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Serving and Pairings
Cheddar bay sausage balls are perfect on their own or served with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha. Pair them with a refreshing salad or your favorite appetizers for a complete spread.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. These sausage balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Not preheating the oven may result in uneven cooking.
- Using low-quality sausage can affect the flavor.
- Skipping the melted butter brush can reduce crispiness.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may alter the texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Experiment with herbs and spices to customize flavors.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping.
FAQs
Can I make cheddar bay sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
What can I serve with cheddar bay sausage balls?
These sausage balls pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ, or spicy mustard. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board.
Are cheddar bay sausage balls gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by substituting the regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free option. Check the ingredients of the sausage to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.
How do I store leftover sausage balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for varied flavors.
Conclusion
Cheddar bay sausage balls are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines rich flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy these tasty bites warm and watch them disappear in no time!
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the breakfast sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually mix in the milk to form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition
