Sausage Balls Recipe

Ground sausage: This is the main protein component, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy taste, complementing the sausage perfectly.

Bisquick mix: A versatile baking mix that helps bind the ingredients together and gives the sausage balls their structure.

When mixing the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and bisquick mix, ensure that the sausage is at room temperature. This will make it easier to combine the ingredients evenly. Additionally, using your hands to mix can help achieve a more uniform texture, ensuring that each sausage ball bakes evenly.

• 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 a lighter alternative and can be flavored with herbs and spices to achieve a similar taste.

• 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 easily, 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 on a wire rack before storing.
• Place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, approximately 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen sausage balls to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method keeps them crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

• Microwave Method: Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is quick but may make them slightly softer.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives them a nice, crispy texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the sausage balls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are heated through. This method adds a bit of extra flavor and keeps them moist.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method is convenient and keeps the sausage balls crispy.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the sausage balls.

• Large mixing bowl: Combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick mix.

• Baking sheet: Place the formed sausage balls on this for baking.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the Bisquick mix and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Mixing spoon: Mix the sausage, cheese, and Bisquick mix until evenly combined.

• Hands: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.

• Oven mitts: Use these to safely remove the baking sheet from the oven.

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

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

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and faster transfer.

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 future snack.