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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ground pork sausage, and baking mix, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley to the mixture, mixing until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
- Use your hands to roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls, placing them approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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.
- While the sausage balls are baking, melt butter and mix with additional dried herbs if desired.
- Remove the sausage balls from the oven and immediately brush with the herbed melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
- Allow the sausage balls to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
- 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