Delicious Sausage Balls Recipe: Easy, Customizable, and Perfect for Any Occasion

What Are Sausage Balls Made Of?

Introduction to Sausage Balls

Sausage balls are a popular, savory snack made from a simple combination of sausage, cheese, and a binding agent like Bisquick or flour. They are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for various occasions, from holiday parties to game-day gatherings. These bite-sized delights are beloved for their hearty, comforting taste and versatility, as they can be customized with different seasonings, cheeses, and optional ingredients like vegetables or spices. Whether baked or fried, sausage balls are a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

Sausage Meat

Sausage meat is the primary ingredient in sausage balls and plays a crucial role in their flavor and texture. The type of sausage you use can significantly influence the taste of the sausage balls. Common types include:

Breakfast Sausage: Typically seasoned with spices like sage and pepper, this sausage gives the balls a savory, herby flavor that pairs well with the richness of the cheese.
Italian sausage is often seasoned with garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes, adding a spicier, bolder flavor to the sausage balls.
Other Sausages: Depending on your preference, you can experiment with other types of sausage, such as spicy or mild varieties.

The fat content in sausage meat is also essential. A higher fat content results in a juicier, more flavorful sausage ball, while leaner sausage can make the balls drier. For the ideal balance of flavor and moisture, it’s often best to use sausage with a moderate fat content.

Cheese

Cheese is essential for both the flavor and texture of sausage balls. When baked, it helps bind the mixture and contributes a creamy, melty texture. Some of the most common cheeses used in sausage balls include:

Cheddar Cheese is the most popular choice. It adds a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage.
Mozzarella Cheese is a milder cheese that melts beautifully, adding a smooth texture without overpowering the sausage’s flavor.
Parmesan or Monterey Jack: For added depth of flavor, experiment with other cheeses, such as Parmesan (for a nutty, salty kick) or Monterey Jack (for a creamy melt).

Cheese not only contributes to the taste but also enhances the overall texture of the sausage balls, giving them a soft, moist interior while crisping up the exterior during baking.

Bisquick or Flour

Bisquick (or a similar biscuit mix) or flour is essential in sausage balls as a binding agent. This helps hold the sausage, cheese, and other ingredients together, allowing the sausage balls to stay intact during baking.

Bisquick is often used because it combines flour, baking powder, salt, and fat, making it easy to incorporate into the dough. It gives the sausage balls a light, fluffy texture.
Flour can be used as an alternative, but you will need to add baking powder and some fat (like butter or oil) to replicate the effect of Bisquick.

Optional Additions

Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings can significantly enhance the flavor profile of sausage balls, giving them a unique twist. Here are some common spices used to elevate the taste:

Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Onion Powder: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall depth of the sausage balls.
Paprika is a mild, slightly smoky spice that can add warmth and color to the sausage balls.
Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne or red pepper flakes can add heat without overwhelming the dish, making it perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Mustard Powder adds a tangy, slightly sharp note that complements the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme can give the sausage balls an Italian-inspired twist.

By adjusting the spices, you can completely change the flavor profile of the sausage balls, making them milder or spicier, depending on your preferences.

Vegetables

Incorporating vegetables into sausage balls is a great way to add extra flavor, color, and texture. Some popular vegetables to consider are:

Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch, which can complement the softness of the sausage and cheese.
Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) provide a slight sweetness and a pop of color.
Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, finely chopped jalapeños can give the sausage balls a spicy kick while still allowing the other flavors to shine.

How to Prepare Sausage Balls

Mixing the Ingredients

Correctly mixing the ingredients is key to creating well-textured and flavorful sausage balls. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Combine the sausage and cheese: Place the meat into a large mixing bowl. Add your grated cheese (cheddar is the most commonly used). The cheese should be finely shredded to help it blend smoothly with the sausage.
Add the Bisquick or flour: Next, add the Bisquick or flour to the sausage mixture. Bisquick already contains leavening agents, so you won’t need to add any extra baking powder or salt. If using regular flour, include these ingredients to ensure proper texture.
Mix the ingredients: Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more Bisquick or a splash of milk. If it’s too wet, add more flour or Bisquick. The goal is to achieve a slightly sticky but not overly wet consistency.
Add seasonings (optional): If you use any spices, herbs, or vegetables, mix them in at this stage to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Shaping the Sausage Ball

Shaping the sausage balls is essential to ensure they cook evenly and have a consistent texture. Here are some tips for shaping:

Uniform Size: Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. This helps achieve uniform size and ensures even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch balls.
Hand-rolling: Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls once you’ve scooped the mixture. Ensure they are tightly packed to prevent the balls from falling apart during cooking.
Place on a baking sheet: Arrange the shaped sausage ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart, allowing air to circulate for even cooking.

Baking vs. Frying

You have two main options when cooking sausage balls: baking or frying. Both methods have pros and cons.

Baking

Pros:
- Healthier option: Baking requires no oil, making it a lower-fat option than frying.
- Less hands-on: Once the sausage balls are placed on the baking sheet, you don’t need to monitor them as closely as when frying.
- Even cooking: Baking in the oven allows for even heat distribution, ensuring the sausage balls cook thoroughly on all sides.
Cons:
- Texture: Depending on the fat content of the sausage, baking may result in a slightly drier exterior than frying.

Frying

Pros:
- Crispier exterior: Frying creates a golden, crispy crust that adds texture and flavor to the sausage balls.
- Faster: Frying generally cooks sausage balls quicker, giving you a crunchy exterior and a juicy interior.
Cons:
- More oil: Frying requires oil, which adds extra calories and fat to the dish.
- More attention is required: Flip the sausage ball and watch them closely to avoid burning or uneven cooking.

Variations of Sausage Balls

Low-Carb Sausage Ball

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify traditional sausage balls by substituting the flour-based binder with low-carb alternatives. Some popular options include:

Almond Flour: Almond flour is a great low-carb substitute for Bisquick or regular flour. It gives the sausage ball a slightly nutty flavor and a moist texture. For the best results, use the same amount of almond flour as you would Bisquick or regular flour.
Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is another excellent option for low-carb sausage balls. It has a mild flavor and is highly absorbent, so you’ll need to use less coconut flour than almond flour or Bisquick (typically about ¼ cup for every 1 cup of regular flour). You may also need to add extra liquid (such as an egg or a bit of milk) to achieve the right texture.

These substitutions make the sausage balls keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Spicy Sausage Ball

If you love a bit of heat, making spicy sausage ball is a great way to add a fiery kick. Here are some ideas for spicing up your sausage balls:

Spicy Sausage: Choose a spicy sausage variety, such as hot Italian sausage or chorizo, to give the balls an extra burst of heat. This will infuse the sausage balls with bold flavors from the start.
Hot Peppers: Finely chop hot peppers, such as jalapeños, serranos, or even habaneros, and mix them into the sausage and cheese mixture. The heat will depend on how many peppers you add, so adjust your spice tolerance.
Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: To control the spice level more precisely, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Start with a pinch and taste to dial in the heat that works for you.

These additions will give your sausage ball a zesty, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage’s and cheese’s richness.

Sweet and Savory Sausage Ball

For a unique twist, you can combine the savory richness of sausage with a touch of sweetness. This creates a sweet and spicy balance that is sure to surprise your taste buds:

Maple Syrup: Adding a small amount of maple syrup to the sausage mixture will introduce a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage. It also adds a slight caramelization to the outside of the sausage balls when baked.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar can have a similar sweetness but a more profound, molasses-like flavor. Just a tablespoon or two is enough to add that subtle sweetness without overpowering the savory elements.
Honey or Apple Cider Vinegar: For a different variation, you could drizzle a little honey into the sausage mixture or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.

Sausage Balls for Special Diets

Gluten-Free Sausage Ball

Making gluten-free sausage balls is simple and requires swapping out the traditional flour or Bisquick with gluten-free alternatives. Here’s how to make a gluten-free version:

Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour or Bisquick. Many gluten-free flour blends include xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps provide structure and texture to the sausage balls.
Gluten-Free Bisquick: If you’re looking for convenience, you can use gluten-free Bisquick, which works like the regular version without gluten.
Almond or Coconut Flour: As mentioned earlier, for a low-carb option, you can substitute almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour is a more versatile option, while coconut flour will require adjustments in liquid content as it absorbs more moisture.

Methods for gluten-free sausage ball:

Follow the same process for mixing and shaping the sausage ball as the traditional recipe.
Ensure that all your ingredients (including the sausage and cheese) are gluten-free, as some processed sausages or cheeses may contain hidden gluten.
Bake or fry the sausage ball as usual, ensuring they cook through and hold together well.

Dairy-Free Sausage Ball

For those who follow a dairy-free diet, you can quickly adapt sausage ball by replacing dairy-based ingredients like cheese and butter. Here’s how:

Dairy-Free Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, such as almond milk, soy, or coconut. These cheeses are available in various flavors, including cheddar and mozzarella, so you can find one that works best for the sausage ball.
Non-Dairy Butter: You can use plant-based butter or margarine made without dairy instead of regular butter. These are typically available in most grocery stores and can be used in the same quantity.
Other Dairy-Free Substitutes: If the recipe calls for milk or cream, you can replace it with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, adding moisture without the dairy content.

Methods for dairy-free sausage balls:

Mix the sausage, dairy-free cheese, non-dairy butter, and gluten-free or regular binding agents.
Follow the same process for shaping and baking/frying the sausage balls, ensuring the mixture comes together properly without dairy-based ingredients.
If you’re using non-dairy cheese, be aware that some may melt differently than regular cheese. You might want to test the consistency of the sausage balls during baking to ensure they hold together well.

Storing and Reheating Sausage Balls

How to Store Sausage Ball

Proper storage is essential to keep sausage ball fresh for later consumption. Here are the best methods for storing them:

Refrigeration:
- If you plan to eat the sausage ball within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will typically stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- To prevent them from sticking together, lay a piece of parchment paper between layers in the container.
Freezing:
- For more extended storage, freeze the sausage ball. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This method helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Frozen sausage balls can be stored for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them as needed.

Reheating Tips

To enjoy sausage ball without losing flavor and texture, it’s essential to reheat them properly. Here are the best practices:

Oven Reheating:
- The best way to reheat sausage ball while maintaining their texture is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- You can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Microwave Reheating:
- If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat sausage ball in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking each time until they are heated through.
- Remember that microwaving may cause the sausage balls to lose some crispiness, so this method is best if texture is less of a concern.
Reheating from Frozen:
- In the Oven: If you are reheating frozen sausage ball, place them on a baking sheet (there is no need to thaw) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until hot in the center.
- In the Microwave: If you’re using the microwave, defrost the sausage balls first and then reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs about Sausage Balls

What are sausage ball made out of?

Sausage ball are typically made from a combination of sausage meat, cheese, and a binder like Bisquick or flour. The sausage provides the savory base, while the cheese adds richness and flavor. Bisquick or flour helps hold the ingredients together and structure the sausage balls. Additional spices or vegetables can be added for extra flavor, and the mixture is shaped into small balls before being baked or fried.

Can you eat sausage ball cold?

Yes, you can eat cold sausage ball, although they are generally warm. Cold sausage balls can still be delicious, as the flavors have had time to meld together. They can be a great addition to a cold appetizer platter or a snack. If you prefer them warm, reheating is easy (see reheating tips above).

Why are sausage ball dry?

Sausage ball can turn out dry for several reasons:

Too lean sausage: If it is too lean, it lacks the fat necessary to keep the balls moist. Using sausage with a higher fat content will help prevent them from becoming dry.
Too much flour or Bisquick: Adding too much flour or Bisquick can absorb too much moisture, resulting in dry sausage ball. Be sure to follow the recipe proportions and adjust if needed.
Overbaking: Overbaking sausage ball can cause them to dry out. Keep an eye on them while baking, and avoid leaving them in the oven for too long.

Are sausage ball a good source of protein?

Yes, sausage ball are a good source of protein due to the sausage meat and cheese. Sausage typically contains a significant amount of protein, and when combined with cheese, it boosts the protein content further. However, remember that sausage balls are also high in fat and calories, so while they provide protein, they should be eaten in moderation, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.

Conclusion

Sausage ball are a versatile and delicious dish easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, and savory or made to accommodate special diets like gluten-free or dairy-free, there are countless ways to enjoy this popular snack. With the right ingredients, careful preparation, and proper storage and reheating methods, sausage balls can be a satisfying addition to any meal or party platter. Experiment with different flavor combinations, and you’ll find the perfect recipe to delight your guests or enjoy as a quick and tasty snack!

What are sausage balls made of?