Sausage Balls Recipe

Ground sausage: This is the main protein in the recipe, providing a rich and savory flavor. You can choose from different varieties like mild, hot, or maple-flavored sausage.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy taste to the sausage balls. Opt for a good quality cheese for the best results.

Bisquick mix: A versatile baking mix that combines flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder. It helps bind the ingredients together and gives the sausage balls a light and fluffy texture.

When mixing the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and bisquick mix, use your hands to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. This method allows you to feel the texture and make sure there are no pockets of dry mix or unevenly distributed cheese. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to help bind the ingredients together.

• ground sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of sausage.

• ground sausage - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean protein that can be flavored with spices to replicate sausage.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack is creamy and melts smoothly, providing a similar texture to cheddar.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to replace 1 cup of Bisquick mix.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with self-rising flour: Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents, making it a convenient substitute for Bisquick mix.

• Allow the sausage balls to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the sausage balls in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you want to freeze them, arrange the sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the sausage balls are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the sausage balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• To reheat refrigerated sausage balls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For frozen sausage balls, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quick reheat, you can also use the microwave. Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating sausage balls multiple times. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let them crisp up slightly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
  4. Let them sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired warmth and crispiness before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the sausage balls in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are heated evenly.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the sausage balls at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and bisquick mix thoroughly.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the formed sausage balls for baking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the bisquick mix and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Mixing spoon: Helps in mixing the ingredients together until they are evenly combined.

• Cooling rack: Allows the sausage balls to cool slightly after baking, ensuring they don't become soggy.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking sheet in and taking it out of the hot oven.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and bisquick mix the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform 1-inch balls and speeds up the shaping process.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you mix the ingredients to save time.

Batch baking: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.