Golden-Brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Herbs

Golden-brown sausage balls are a savory, cheesy, and herby delight perfect for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor, featuring a combination of savory sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of rosemary and thyme. The addition of Parmesan gives them an extra layer of richness, while the biscuit baking mix ensures they stay light and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

The best part about these sausage balls is how easy they are to prepare. Simply mix the ingredients, shape them into balls, and bake. They cook quickly in just 20-25 minutes, making them an ideal dish when you need something fast and delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a family breakfast, or a game day snack, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. With their comforting taste and satisfying texture, they’re perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these savory sausage balls in under 40 minutes.

2. Packed with Flavor

The combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme creates a flavorful bite with every mouthful.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

These sausage balls make a great appetizer, breakfast item, or snack. They’re also ideal for parties or holiday gatherings.

4. Crowd-Pleasing

With their rich, cheesy filling and golden-brown exterior, these sausage balls are loved by both kids and adults alike.

5. Versatile

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even other types of cheese to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Ground sausage
• Biscuit baking mix
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Milk
• Dried rosemary
• Dried thyme

Variations

Add Spice

For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sausage mixture.

Switch Up the Cheese

Try swapping cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles.

Add Veggies

Incorporate finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and color in the sausage balls.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free biscuit mix to make these sausage balls gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Mini Meatballs

Make smaller versions of the sausage balls to serve as bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, rosemary, and thyme. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture

Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart so they can cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overwork the dough. Over-mixing can lead to tough sausage balls.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps make the sausage balls uniform in size for even cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure that the sausage balls are fully cooked by cutting one open to make sure there’s no pink inside.
• Add Extra Herbs: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like parsley or oregano to enhance the flavor.

How to Serve

Golden-brown sausage balls are delicious on their own, but they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for extra flavor. They’re perfect for brunch, as a snack, or as an appetizer at parties and gatherings. Serve them warm with a side of fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven to ensure they stay crispy. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to pork sausage.

3. Can I freeze these sausage balls?

Yes, sausage balls freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 3 months.

4. How do I know when the sausage balls are done?

The sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. You can also cut one in half to check if it’s cooked through.

5. Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free biscuit baking mix to make the recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I add vegetables to these sausage balls?

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.

8. How do I keep the sausage balls from being too greasy?

Be sure to drain any excess fat from the sausage before mixing it with the other ingredients.

9. Can I make these sausage balls without the milk?

Yes, you can skip the milk, but the texture may be slightly different. You could substitute it with a bit of water or broth if you prefer.

10. Can I serve these sausage balls cold?

While they are best served warm, you can serve them cold if necessary. They still taste great when chilled.

Conclusion

Golden-brown sausage balls speckled with cheddar, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs make the perfect savory snack or appetizer. These cheesy, herby bites are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a party snack, these sausage balls will be a hit with everyone. With their crispy exterior and flavorful, cheesy interior, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate indulgence!

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