Are you craving a warm, savory appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make? Forget store-bought mixes! This sausage ball recipe skips the Bisquick and delivers incredible flavor with simple, homemade goodness. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, these sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear quickly. They're a fantastic example of delicious dishes achievable through homemade cooking, making them a go-to addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sausage:
Brown the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect savory base for your sausage balls.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Stir in the lightly beaten egg, ensuring it's fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 3: Shaping the Sausage Balls:
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. This is a fun step, and you can get creative with the size and shape!
Step 4: Baking to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sausage balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and adjust baking time as needed based on your oven.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying:
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy marinara sauce are excellent choices.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious additions.
- Herb it up: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the sausage ball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shape the balls and bake them just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per sausage ball, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 7-9g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This recipe provides healthy meals in a convenient and delicious format. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy these easy-to-make, flavor-packed sausage balls!