Sausage Balls Recipe – Expanded Instructions
Yield: About 30-40 balls (depending on size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-45 minutes (including resting and mixing)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb hot breakfast sausage
For a spicy kick! Make sure it’s ground sausage (not in links) so it mixes well. - 1 lb extra sage breakfast sausage
The sage adds an earthy, aromatic flavor to balance out the heat from the hot sausage. - 2 cups Bisquick
This acts as the binder for the sausage balls, making them light and fluffy inside. You could also use any generic pancake/baking mix in place of Bisquick. - 2 cups extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese
The sharper the cheese, the better! It adds a bold, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sausage. - 1 tsp garlic powder
Enhances the savory depth. - 1 tsp onion powder
Adds a subtle sweetness and more flavor to the sausage. - 1 tsp black pepper
A classic spice that works well with both the sage and hot sausage. - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
This gives the sausage balls a little Southern flair with a mix of spices like paprika, oregano, and cayenne. - 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For heat lovers, this is a generous amount. If you prefer it milder, start with 1 tsp. - Three dashes Worcestershire sauce
This adds a subtle umami and depth of flavor that ties everything together.
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the sausage balls are prepped. - Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb hot sausage, 1 lb sage sausage, 2 cups Bisquick, 2 cups shredded cheddar, and all your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything thoroughly. Pro tip: Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes after the initial mix. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up a bit, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Rolling the Sausage Balls:
- After resting, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (or slightly larger if you prefer) using your hands. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Tip: If the mixture is sticky, lightly dust your hands with a bit of Bisquick to make rolling easier.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until the sausage balls are browned and sizzling. You want them to be golden and cooked through, with a slight crisp on the outside.
- Check doneness: You can check if they’re done by cutting one open. The sausage should be fully cooked, and the cheese melted.
- Cool Before Removing from Pan:
- Once out of the oven, let the sausage balls cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to a serving dish or platter. This cooling process helps them firm up so the bottoms don’t tear off when lifting them.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
- Party Tip: If you’re bringing these to a gathering, they reheat well in the oven (at around 300°F) or in an air fryer for a few minutes.
Variations & Customizations:
- Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try using pepper jack for extra spice or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- Add-ins: Chopped jalapeños, green onions, or even bits of cooked bacon can be mixed in for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well—freeze the raw sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage:
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze: Cooked sausage balls can be frozen and reheated easily. Just thaw them in the fridge and pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Enjoy the Season!
These sausage balls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, parties, or a snack any time of day. They’re easy to make and a crowd-pleaser!