Sandra This Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with ground sausage and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 35 minutes.
Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe Ingredients
- 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 (1 lb) package ground sausage
- 1/8 tablespoon Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 cup mayonnaise
How To Make Paula Deen Sausage Balls
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, baking mix, ground sausage, pepper, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Mix the dough: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture will be very stiff and crumbly at first; keep working it until it comes together.
- Form the sausage balls: Squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. To prevent sticking and ensure even browning, use a spatula to move them around halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve with dip: While the sausage balls bake, prepare the dip by combining mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Serve the hot sausage balls with the dip.
Recipe Tips
- How do I mix the ingredients easily? The mixture is very stiff. The best tool is your hands. Letting the sausage and mayonnaise sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before mixing can make combining everything much easier.
- How do I keep my sausage balls from being dry? Be careful not to add extra baking mix, as this is the most common cause of dry sausage balls. Also, using a standard (not low-fat) sausage provides necessary moisture and flavor.
- Why are my sausage balls crumbly? The mixture is naturally crumbly. You have to firmly squeeze the mixture together in your hands to form a tight ball before rolling it. This pressure helps bind the ingredients.
- Can I grate my own cheese? Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can make the sausage balls drier. Grating a block of sharp cheddar will give you a moister, more flavorful result.
What To Serve With Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are a classic appetizer perfect for any party platter. They are delicious on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces:
- The simple mustard and mayonnaise dip from the recipe
- Honey mustard sauce
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
How To Store Sausage Balls
Refrigerate: Store cooked, cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Freeze: You can freeze sausage balls either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked, place the formed balls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Sausage Balls Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
Nutrition information is estimated per sausage ball and may vary based on ingredients and final yield.
FAQs
Yes, this is a great make-ahead appetizer. You can mix and roll the balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the uncooked balls for up to 3 months.
A standard roll of pork breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean or similar brands) is the classic choice. You can use hot sausage for a spicy kick or mild sausage depending on your preference.
Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can make mixing the stiff dough much easier. Mix on low speed until the ingredients just come together.
Try More Recipes:
Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe
Description
A classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix, perfect for parties and game day.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, baking mix, grated cheese, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until thoroughly combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, squeezing firmly so they hold together.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- While baking, whisk together the mayonnaise and mustard for the dipping sauce.
- Serve the hot sausage balls with the dip.
Notes
- The mixture will be very stiff and crumbly; using your hands is the most effective way to mix it.
- For the best flavor and texture, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block.
- These can be frozen uncooked. Place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen.
- Letting the sausage sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes will make mixing easier.
