Description
Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine zesty sausage with sharp cheddar cheese in a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Hearty bites deliver irresistible flavor that guests will devour at parties or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
- 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ¼ cups (150 g) Bisquick or baking mix
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack in center at 375F (190C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Mixture Creation: In large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley using hands or sturdy utensil to ensure even ingredient integration and consistent texture.
- Dough Formation: Gradually introduce milk, kneading mixture until cohesive dough develops with sufficient moisture to bind ingredients without becoming overly wet.
- Portioning and Arrangement: Roll mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical portions, placing them systematically on prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing to promote even browning and consistent cooking.
- Baking and Glazing: Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until sausage balls achieve golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked internally, then simultaneously prepare butter glaze by whisking melted butter with Old Bay seasoning.
- Finishing Touch: Immediately upon removal from oven, delicately brush warm sausage balls with seasoned butter glaze, enhancing flavor profile and creating appetizing sheen, then serve promptly alongside preferred dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Notes
- Master Mixing Technique: Use hands or a robust utensil to thoroughly blend ingredients, ensuring even distribution of sausage, cheese, and seasonings without overworking the mixture.
- Perfect Portion Control: Roll sausage balls precisely 1-inch in diameter for consistent cooking and ideal bite-sized appetizers that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Moisture Management: Add milk gradually to achieve the right dough consistency – not too dry or crumbly, but firm enough to hold shape without falling apart during baking.
- Flavor Enhancement Hack: Brush warm sausage balls immediately with seasoned butter after baking to lock in moisture and create an extra layer of rich, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg