Sausage Balls Recipe

Ground sausage: The main protein component, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Bisquick mix: A pre-mixed baking blend that helps bind the ingredients and adds a light, fluffy texture.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy flavor and helps to hold the sausage balls together.

Milk: Adds moisture to the mixture, ensuring the sausage balls are not too dry.

When mixing the ground sausage with the bisquick mix and shredded cheddar cheese, ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid any dry pockets. Using your hands can be more effective than a spoon for thorough mixing. Additionally, slightly dampening your hands with water can help prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers while forming the 1-inch balls.

• 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 beef: Ground beef provides a similar texture and can be flavored with spices to replicate sausage.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder: Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of baking powder to replace the bisquick mix.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with self-rising flour: Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents, making it a convenient replacement.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well, similar to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a creamy texture and a mild flavor that works well in sausage balls.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity.

• milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and richness to the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor.

• Allow the sausage balls to cool completely after baking. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, arrange the cooled sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen solid, transfer the sausage balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated sausage balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen sausage balls, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
• If you prefer, you can also microwave the sausage balls for a quicker option. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating sausage balls multiple times. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
  4. Let them sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for crispiness and heat; if needed, add an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the sausage balls in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are heated evenly and have a nice, crispy exterior.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sausage balls on a toaster oven tray lined with foil.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for doneness and add more time if necessary.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the sausage balls until golden brown.

• Large mixing bowl: Combine all ingredients thoroughly in this bowl.

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

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

• Measuring spoons: Use to measure smaller quantities if needed.

• Mixing spoon: Mix the ingredients together in the large mixing bowl.

• Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent the sausage balls from sticking.

• Cooling rack: Place the baked sausage balls on this rack to cool slightly before serving.

• Kitchen scale: Optional, but useful for measuring the ground sausage accurately.

• Ice cream scoop: Helps in forming uniform 1-inch balls from the mixture.

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

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

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to minimize cleanup time.

Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the sausage balls for a quick snack later.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you mix the ingredients to save time.