Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your entertaining game with a simple yet impressive appetizer that will have everyone talking? Look no further than these delightful Sausage Cheese Balls! These savory bites are the perfect solution for any gathering where you want to shine as the host with minimal stress and maximum flavor.

The secret behind these sausage cheese balls lies in their three-ingredient simplicity. With just sausage, cheese, and eggs, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that tastes like it required hours of effort to make. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a flavorful punch that takes these balls from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, the make-ahead convenience allows you to prep them in advance, freeze them, and bake them straight from frozen whenever you need a delicious snack at a moment’s notice.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a Super Bowl party, or a casual get-together with friends, these sausage cheese balls will be a hit. Serve them warm with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or chive and onion sour cream. For a unique twist, try dipping them in maple syrup for a breakfast event. With their adaptability to different flavors and occasions, these sausage cheese balls are sure to become your go-to appetizer for every celebration. Get ready to impress your guests with this foolproof recipe that proves simple can be absolutely brilliant.

Quick Benefits

• Simple Three-Ingredient Recipe: Easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Impressive Appearance: Looks complicated but is actually straightforward to prepare.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for busy schedules and advance planning.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Can customize with different sausage, cheese, and additional ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Taste with Minimal Effort: These sausage cheese balls taste delicious and impressive, making people think you’ve put in a lot of time and skill, when in reality, they are simple to make.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, Super Bowl party, work potluck, or a neighborhood event, these sausage cheese balls are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead and Freeze: Ideal for busy schedules, you can make these ahead of time, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen, saving you time and stress.
• Cheese Quality Matters: The sharp cheddar cheese provides a flavorful punch that takes these cheese balls from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Adaptable and Customizable: Experiment with different sausages, cheeses, and add-ins like jalapeños or herbs to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste or the occasion.
• Serve with a Variety of Dipping Sauces: Pair these sausage cheese balls with a range of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, chive and onion sour cream, or maple syrup for breakfast events.
• Size Flexibility: Whether you prefer large sausage cheese balls as a main appetizer or mini ones for cocktail parties, this recipe is versatile for different types of gatherings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cooked balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months, providing make-ahead convenience for holiday entertaining or quick party prep.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
• 2 large eggs

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Chive and onion sour cream
• Maple syrup (for breakfast)

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Combine ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until evenly distributed and mixture holds together when squeezed.

Step 3: Form Large Sausage Balls

Divide the mixture into 12 portions and roll each into a smooth ball using 2 tablespoons for each. Place the balls on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.

Step 4: Bake Large Balls

Bake the large sausage balls for 40 minutes until they are golden brown, cooked through, and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Alternative: Mini Balls

Form 24 mini sausage balls using 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the sausage balls to cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with preferred dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or maple syrup for breakfast.

Storage Tips

After making a batch of sausage cheese balls, you can store the cooked balls in the refrigerator for up to four days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the fridge. When ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven until warmed through, or even give them a quick zap in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked sausage cheese balls in airtight containers for up to two months. Freezing them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a container can prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat them, you can bake the frozen balls straight from the freezer – just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through. This make-ahead feature makes them a fantastic option for holiday entertaining or any time you need a quick and delicious appetizer on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in the sausage cheese balls recipe, consider using different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile. While sharp cheddar is recommended for its robust taste, you can experiment with cheeses like pepper jack, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar for different levels of spiciness, mellowness, or sophistication. These variations can add a unique twist to the classic recipe and cater to different preferences.

Another substitution idea is to explore different types of sausage to bring new flavors to the sausage cheese balls. Instead of using ground breakfast sausage, you could try spicy Italian sausage or maple breakfast sausage to create variations in taste. This simple swap can offer a different savory profile to the dish, making it versatile for various occasions and appealing to different palates. Experimenting with different sausage options can add an exciting twist to the recipe while maintaining its ease and simplicity.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try arranging the warm sausage cheese balls on a wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls surrounding them. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. This presentation will not only look impressive but also encourage guests to mix and match different flavors for a personalized snacking experience.

Another fun idea is to skewer the mini sausage cheese balls with toothpicks and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at a cocktail party. Pair them with a selection of craft beers or cocktails to create a casual and enjoyable atmosphere. The skewers make it easy for guests to grab a few cheese balls while mingling, and the individual servings are perfect for a social gathering where people are moving around and chatting.

FAQs for Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its flavor punch, you can experiment with other types of cheeses like pepper jack for heat, Swiss for mildness, or a sharp white cheddar for extra sophistication. Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices to suit different flavor profiles.

Can I freeze the sausage cheese balls before baking them?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked sausage cheese balls. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen balls directly on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What kind of dipping sauces pair well with the sausage cheese balls?

You can serve the sausage cheese balls with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, chive and onion sour cream, and even maple syrup for breakfast events. The choice of dipping sauce can add an extra layer of flavor to the savory cheese balls, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How long can I store the cooked sausage cheese balls?

You can store the cooked sausage cheese balls in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked balls in airtight containers for up to two months. This make-ahead flexibility allows you to prepare the sausage cheese balls in advance, making them ideal for holiday entertaining and meal prep.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary adventures, remember that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Sausage Cheese Balls have a magical way of transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary bites that will impress your guests and make you feel like a culinary genius. With their make-ahead convenience and delicious flavor, these savory treats are sure to become your go-to for any gathering where you want to shine without breaking a sweat. So embrace the simplicity, enjoy the process, and let your Sausage Cheese Balls be the star of the show!

Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or a novice in the kitchen, these Sausage Cheese Balls are a game-changer. So go ahead, mix up a batch, pop them in the oven, and get ready to bask in the compliments. With their versatility, flavor, and make-ahead ease, these savory morsels are bound to become your signature dish, just like they did for my friend Carol. So don’t overthink it – let the Sausage Cheese Balls work their magic at your next event and watch as they bring smiles and satisfaction to all who indulge. Cheers to the joy of simple, delicious food that brings people together!

Cheesy Sausage Balls Recipe

Impress effortlessly with savory Sausage Cheese Balls – a foolproof appetizer that tastes gourmet but requires just three simple ingredients to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 large or 24 mini balls)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
• 2 large eggs

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Chive and onion sour cream
• Maple syrup (for breakfast)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Combine ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until evenly distributed and mixture holds together when squeezed.
3. Form Large Sausage Balls: Divide the mixture into 12 portions and roll each into a smooth ball using 2 tablespoons for each. Place the balls on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
4. Bake Large Balls: Bake the large sausage balls for 40 minutes until they are golden brown, cooked through, and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. Alternative: Mini Balls: Form 24 mini sausage balls using 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with preferred dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or maple syrup for breakfast.