These Spicy Sausage Balls are packed with flavor and perfect for a fun snack or party treat! Made with sausage, cheese, and just the right amount of spice, they’re super easy to whip up.
I love making these when friends come over; they vanish in seconds! Just mix everything together, roll into balls, and bake. Trust me, they’ll be the hit of the gathering! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork Sausage: I recommend using spicy ground pork sausage for full flavor. Don’t worry if you prefer a milder taste; you can switch it out for sweet Italian sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by using a meat substitute or veggie sausage!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is fantastic for its bold flavor. If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to use pepper jack for extra heat, or mozzarella for a milder, gooey option.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for the balls. If you want to try a gluten-free version, you could use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for proper binding.
Milk: Whole milk is what I use for richness, but you can swap it with low-fat milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat. If you go dairy-free, make sure your substitutes also work for texture.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Sausage Balls?
The texture balance is key to great sausage balls! Here are some tips for achieving that perfect bite:
- Mix the sausage and cheese well before adding milk. This ensures even flavor distribution.
- Gradually add the milk. You want the mixture moist but not too wet. It should easily hold its shape when rolled into balls.
- Avoid overmixing. Just blend until it comes together; too much mixing can lead to dense balls.
- Keep an eye on baking time. For the best crust, aim for a golden-brown color without drying them out.
These tips will help you serve sausage balls that are crispy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. Enjoy your cooking!
Spicy Sausage Balls without Bisquick
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) spicy ground pork sausage
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 40 minutes. You’ll have delicious, spicy sausage balls ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Take a whisk and mix these dry ingredients well so they are evenly combined.
3. Add Sausage and Cheese:
Next, toss in the spicy ground pork sausage and the shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sausage.
4. Incorporate the Milk:
Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuing to mix. Stir gently until everything comes together into a cohesive mixture. Be careful not to add too much milk at once; you want the dough to be moist but firm enough to shape.
5. Shape the Balls:
Once your mixture holds together well, it’s time to shape the sausage balls. Take a small scoop of the mixture—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat this until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Place the sausage balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to crowd them together for even cooking.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They’ll be super hot right out of the oven!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the sausage balls warm as a tasty snack or appetizer. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in!
With this recipe, you’ll have fluffy and flavorful sausage balls that are a hit at any gathering. Enjoy every spicy bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the spicy ground pork sausage with sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor, or any other meat of your choice. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned to your liking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just shape the balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them when you’re ready to serve!
How Do I Store Leftover Sausage Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can freeze sausage balls! After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
