Sausage Balls Recipe

Ground sausage: Provides the main protein and flavor base for the sausage balls.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor and helps bind the mixture together.

Bisquick mix: A pre-mixed baking blend that helps to give the sausage balls their structure and a slight fluffiness.

When mixing the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and bisquick mix, use your hands to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. This will help the sausage balls hold together better and cook more uniformly. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to help bind the ingredients.

• 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 achieve a sausage-like taste.

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

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the dish.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder: Combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to replicate the leavening effect of Bisquick.

• bisquick mix - Substitute with almond flour and baking powder: For a gluten-free option, use 1.5 cups of almond flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to maintain the texture and rise.

• Allow the sausage balls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to reheat.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Arrange the sausage balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the sausage balls 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, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
• You can also microwave sausage balls for a quick snack. Place a few on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for desired warmth.
• To maintain their crispy texture, avoid reheating sausage balls in the microwave for extended periods. The oven method is preferable for the best results.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed 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 even heating.

• 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 cooking.

• 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 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight crisp.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sausage balls on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
  4. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the sausage balls at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick mix.

• Baking sheet: Needed to place the formed sausage balls on for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the 1.5 cups of Bisquick mix and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Mixing spoon: Helpful for initially combining the ingredients before forming the sausage balls.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.

• Cooling rack: Useful for allowing the sausage balls to cool slightly after baking.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.

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

Use a cookie scoop: Speed up forming the sausage balls by using a cookie scoop for uniform size.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup faster.

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

Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the uncooked sausage balls for a quick future meal.