Ah, sausage balls—those little bites of joy that somehow manage to bring a party to your mouth with every single bite. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to family gatherings where a plate of these savory wonders was the star attraction. Who would’ve thought that sausage, cheese, and a bit of baking mix could create such magic?
Steps
- Gather all your ingredients together and set the oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the room-temperature ground pork sausage with the biscuit baking mix using your hands until well combined.
- Gradually add the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into the mixture, ensuring it is evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into approximately 30 balls, each about the size of a walnut, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the sausage is thoroughly cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, brought to room temperature
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3960 | Total Fat: 285g | Saturated Fat: 135g | Cholesterol: 735mg | Sodium: 9900mg | Total Carbohydrate: 165g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 195g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 3735mg | Iron: 15mg | Potassium: 1875mg
FAQ
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
- It’s recommended to shred your own block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture and moisture of the sausage balls.
- What type of sausage works best for these sausage balls?
- Ground pork sausage is ideal, but you can experiment with different types. For added spice, consider using hot breakfast sausage or a mix of regular and spicy varieties.
- How do I ensure the sausage balls hold their shape while baking?
- Ensure your sausage is at room temperature before mixing. Some users suggest adding an egg to the mixture if it seems too dry, as this can help bind the ingredients together.
- Why does my mixture seem too dry or not stick together well?
- If the mixture feels dry, try mixing the sausage and biscuit mix thoroughly, ensuring the sausage is at room temperature. Wetting your hands slightly before forming the balls can also help.
- Can I add extra flavors or ingredients to enhance the taste?
- Absolutely! Many users enjoy adding ingredients like minced garlic, a pinch of salt, or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor. Adjusting the type of sausage or adding spices can also enhance the taste.
Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Opt for block cheese and shred it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the mixture dry and affect the texture.
- Ensure Sausage is at Room Temperature: Make sure the sausage is at room temperature before mixing. This allows it to blend more smoothly with the biscuit mix and cheese.
- Enhance Flavor with Spices: To add more flavor, consider using spicy sausage or adding ingredients like minced garlic or hot sauce. This can give the sausage balls an extra kick and make them more flavorful.
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: To ensure uniform size and even cooking, use a cookie scoop to form the sausage balls. After scooping, roll them in your palms to firmly press them together.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – Essential for baking the sausage balls in the oven.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Needed to combine all the ingredients.
- Cookie Scoop – Helpful for portioning out the sausage mixture into uniform balls.
- Cheese Grater – Necessary if shredding cheese from a block, which is recommended over using pre-shredded cheese.
- Oven Thermometer – Useful to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
