The Irresistible Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe You Need Now

Crispy, savory cheddar bay sausage balls burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Cheese lovers know these little bites pack serious punch.

Packed with zesty sausage and sharp cheddar, they’re perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a culinary adventure.

Jimmy Dean sausage works best for maximum deliciousness.

A quick mix and roll creates these irresistible appetizers that vanish faster than you can say “seconds.” Dive in and watch everyone ask for the recipe.

Why You’ll Crave Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers: These sausage balls deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for parties, game day, or unexpected guests.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Combining ingredients by hand and rolling uniform balls requires basic kitchen skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Customize with Seasonal Herbs: Experiment with different dried herbs and spices to transform the flavor profile, allowing creative cooks to personalize the recipe according to their taste preferences.
• Prep-Ahead Party Favorite: These sausage balls can be prepared in advance and quickly baked when needed, offering convenience and stress-free entertaining for busy hosts.

Everything in Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A flavorful cheese that adds richness and tanginess to the sausage balls.
• Ground Pork Sausage: The primary protein that provides a savory and hearty base for the recipe.
• Baking Mix: A convenient blend that helps bind the ingredients and creates a tender texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley: These spices contribute depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the sausage balls.

• Butter: A rich ingredient used to brush the sausage balls, adding a glossy finish and extra flavor.

How to Cook Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Step by Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep those sausage balls from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Ground pork sausage
• Baking mix

Blend everything until it’s completely combined and looks like a delicious party mix.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley

Mix thoroughly so every bite is packed with zesty goodness.

Step 4: Shape the Delights

Get your hands dirty! Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, each about 1 inch round. Place them on the baking sheet with a little breathing room between each ball.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, giving the sheet a spin halfway through to ensure even golden-brown deliciousness. You’ll know they’re done when they look crispy and appetizing.

Step 6: Butter Boost

While the sausage balls are baking, melt some butter. If you’re feeling fancy, mix in some extra herbs for an extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Glaze and Shine

The moment the sausage balls come out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter. This gives them a gorgeous shine and adds an extra layer of yumminess.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the sausage balls rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a serving platter, ready to be devoured.

Step 9: Enjoy the Feast

Serve these beauties warm. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just because you want a tasty treat!

Tips for Nailing Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Prevent Dry Texture: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to keep sausage balls moist and tender.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Uniform Size Ensures Even Cooking: Roll sausage balls into consistent 1-inch balls to guarantee uniform baking and prevent undercooked centers.
• Spice Adjustment Tip: Experiment with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for adding subtle heat if you enjoy spicier appetizers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and shape sausage balls in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during gatherings.

Fun Ways to Change Up Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Spicy Southwest Sausage Bites: Replace dried parsley with chopped jalapeños and add ground cumin for a zesty kick. Mix in shredded pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Sausage Spheres: Swap ground pork with lamb sausage, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and season with dried oregano and thyme. Brush with olive oil infused with fresh rosemary after baking.
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Poppers: Mix cooked crumbled bacon into the original recipe, sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, and use a combination of sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheese for added complexity.

What Goes Well With Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Create a cool, tangy ranch dip using buttermilk, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a dash of hot sauce to complement the rich, savory sausage balls.
• Complement with Light Amber Beer: Select a crisp, slightly hoppy amber ale that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sausage, providing a refreshing contrast to the appetizer.
• Match with Bright Citrus Salad: Prepare a quick side salad with mixed greens, mandarin orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy sausage balls.
• Enhance with Sparkling White Wine: Choose a crisp Prosecco or Champagne that offers effervescence and acidity to cleanse the palate between bites of the savory appetizer.

How to Keep Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Fresh

• Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Place uncooked or cooked sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs for Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

• Are these sausage balls spicy?

The recipe uses ground pork sausage which can have varying heat levels. Choose mild or hot sausage based on your preference.

• Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Yes, turkey sausage works as a leaner alternative. The texture and binding might be slightly different, so adjust moisture if needed.

• Do I need fresh herbs or can I use dried?

Dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe. They distribute evenly and provide consistent flavor throughout the sausage balls.

• What type of baking mix is best for this recipe?

Bisquick or similar all-purpose baking mix works great. These mixes help bind ingredients and provide a light, fluffy texture to the sausage balls.

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory cheddar bay sausage balls deliver irresistible flavor combinations that elevate party snacks to gourmet status. Cheesy, herby, and packed with bold textures, you’ll find these bite-sized treats impossible to resist at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ground pork sausage, and baking mix, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley to the mixture, mixing until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Use your hands to roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls, placing them approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning, until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the sausage balls are baking, melt butter and mix with additional dried herbs if desired.
7. Remove the sausage balls from the oven and immediately brush with the herbed melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
8. Allow the sausage balls to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
9. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings or game day celebrations.

Notes

• Swap ground pork for turkey or chicken sausage to create a leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor and juicy texture.
• Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their appetizers.
• Choose gluten-free baking mix to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly or gluten-sensitive friendly snack without compromising taste.
• Prep these sausage balls ahead of time by forming and freezing them uncooked, then baking directly from frozen with an extra 5-7 minutes of cooking time for convenient party planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg