Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and become the ultimate crowd-pleaser with these mouthwatering Zesty Sausage Cheese Balls! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a burst of savory sausage and melted cheese - these irresistible bite-sized delights are about to become your new go-to recipe for every gathering, game day, or impromptu snack attack. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a quick breakfast bite, or craving a protein-packed appetizer, these sausage cheese balls will have everyone begging for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, allow the breakfast sausage to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften, which will make mixing easier.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sausage. Use clean hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place the formed balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy on the exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage cheese balls rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to cool slightly and set their shape.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm. These can be enjoyed as an appetizer, game day snack, or breakfast side dish.
- Optional: For extra zest, serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard or ranch dressing.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Let your sausage sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing to ensure easier blending and more even distribution of ingredients.
- Mixing Technique: Use your clean hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly. This helps combine the components more effectively than using a spoon.
- Uniform Size: Roll the balls to approximately 1-inch diameter for consistent cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Prevent Sticking: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cheese balls from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these warm for the best flavor and texture. The optional dipping sauces like spicy mustard or ranch can elevate the taste experience.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate, then roll and bake when ready to serve.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types or add a sprinkle of herbs for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
