Description
Spicy and cheesy, paula deen sausage balls deliver a mouthwatering appetizer perfect for game day or holiday gatherings. Southern comfort meets irresistible flavor, promising quick preparation and crowd-pleasing results you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix (e.g., Bisquick)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Dip Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine baking mix, ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and ground black pepper. Use clean hands to blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Gently shape the mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical balls, carefully placing them with equal spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and cook for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan midway through cooking to promote consistent golden-brown coloration and even heating.
- During baking, quickly whisk mayonnaise and mustard together in a separate small bowl, creating a smooth, creamy dipping sauce with complementary tangy notes.
- Once sausage balls emerge golden and crisp, remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize their structure. Plate the warm appetizers alongside the prepared mustard-mayo dip for immediate serving.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy sausage based on personal preference.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor.
- Make ahead and freeze uncooked sausage balls for quick party appetizers or unexpected guests.
- For gluten-free option, swap baking mix with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 272
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 385 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg