Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan

Sausage balls are a savory, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to game day or family gatherings. With a golden-brown, crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy interior, these sausage balls are irresistibly delicious. Made with a simple combination of ground sausage, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, along with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, they’re packed with flavor in every bite. The biscuit mix helps create a light, fluffy texture, while the cheese adds a rich, savory taste. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or pairing them with a dipping sauce, these sausage balls are sure to disappear quickly. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is a great go-to for busy hosts or anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

These sausage balls are a breeze to make. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have them in the oven and ready to serve in no time.

2. Packed with Flavor

The combination of cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs gives these sausage balls a bold and savory flavor that’s irresistible.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering, or need a quick snack, these sausage balls are a versatile dish that will be a hit with everyone.

4. Cheesy and Crispy Texture

The outside of these sausage balls gets perfectly crispy while the inside remains soft and cheesy, making for a satisfying bite every time.

5. Easy to Double or Triple

This recipe can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd. Just double or triple the ingredients and bake in batches to ensure everyone gets a warm, delicious serving.

Ingredients

• Ground sausage
• Biscuit baking mix
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Milk
• Dried rosemary
• Dried thyme

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Balls: Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to give the sausage balls a little kick.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add-ins: Incorporate chopped green onions, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, rosemary, and thyme. Mix everything together until well incorporated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the balls.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Ensure they’re spaced out evenly to allow for even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can check by cutting one open—there should be no pink inside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re golden brown, remove the sausage balls from the oven. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in dense sausage balls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients: If possible, let your milk come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Form uniform balls: Make sure each sausage ball is roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
• Check for doneness: Make sure the sausage is fully cooked by cutting into one of the balls. It should be golden brown inside and out.

How to Serve

Sausage balls are great on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy barbecue sauce. They’re perfect for brunch, as a snack, or at your next party or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to warm them up.

Freezing

You can freeze sausage balls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the sausage balls in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option.

2. Can I make sausage balls without the biscuit mix?

Yes, you can make your own biscuit dough or use a different flour-based mix, but biscuit mix is typically used for ease and fluffiness.

3. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

4. Can I freeze these sausage balls?

Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked sausage balls. Just be sure to freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a bag for storage.

5. How do I ensure the sausage balls are fully cooked?

Cut one of the sausage balls in half to ensure there is no pink in the center. If the sausage is cooked through, it should be golden and firm.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

7. How can I make these sausage balls spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use spicy sausage for a bit of heat.

8. Can I make these sausage balls without milk?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative or simply omit the milk if you prefer.

9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried rosemary and thyme?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but you’ll need to increase the amount slightly to achieve the same flavor profile.

10. How long will these sausage balls last in the fridge?

Sausage balls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Golden-brown sausage balls speckled with cheddar and Parmesan are the ultimate savory snack or appetizer. These easy-to-make bites are packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and perfectly cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick breakfast, or just craving a delicious snack, these sausage balls will quickly become a favorite. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, this recipe is a great way to satisfy your savory cravings with minimal effort. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as leftovers—you’ll love every bite!

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