Sausage Balls Recipe

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

Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy taste and helps bind the mixture together.

Bisquick mix: A versatile baking mix that acts as a binder and gives the sausage balls their structure.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to complement the other ingredients.

When mixing the ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese with the bisquick mix, use your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients. This method helps to incorporate the garlic powder and onion powder more thoroughly, resulting in a more uniform flavor throughout each sausage ball.

• 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 additional spices to replicate sausage.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor but melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a similar texture and a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder: Combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoon of baking powder to replace Bisquick mix.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with almond flour and baking powder: For a gluten-free option, use 1.5 cups of almond flour with 1.5 teaspoon of baking powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Use 1 clove of minced garlic for a more robust garlic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with garlic salt: Use 0.5 teaspoon of garlic salt, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Use ¼ cup of finely chopped onions for a fresh onion taste.

• onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder provides a similar but slightly sweeter flavor profile.

• Allow the sausage balls to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent 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.

• If you plan to store them for a longer period, consider freezing. Arrange the sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the sausage balls are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For frozen sausage balls, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time to 25-30 minutes, ensuring they are heated thoroughly.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid microwaving as it can make the sausage balls rubbery.

• 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. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let them crisp up a bit.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  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 heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and warmth before serving.

• 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 heat evenly and get a nice crust.
  5. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: This is used to bake the sausage balls at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Large mixing bowl: This is where you will combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Baking sheet: This is used to place the shaped sausage balls on for baking in the oven.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure out the Bisquick mix and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: These are used to measure out the garlic powder and onion powder.

• Mixing spoon: This is used to mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.

• Cooling rack: This is used to let the sausage balls cool slightly after they are removed from the oven.

• Parchment paper: This can be used to line the baking sheet to prevent the sausage balls from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine the Bisquick mix, garlic powder, and onion powder ahead of time to save a few minutes when you're ready to cook.

Use a cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop can help you quickly form uniform 1-inch sausage balls.

Pre-shred cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese or shred it in advance to cut down on prep time.

Line baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

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