Alright, picture this: a cozy evening where you whip up these cheesy, savory sausage balls that are like little bursts of comfort and flavor. Let’s dive into this uber-delicious recipe that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance—trust me, you won’t regret it!
I love making Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls for their savory blend of ground pork sausage and sharp cheddar cheese. With a hint of Parmesan and a touch of garlic and onion powder, they’re irresistible.
I think the cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, perfect for flavor-packed appetizers.
Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Pork Sausage: Rich in protein, adds savory depth, and satisfying texture.
- Bisquick Mix: Contains carbs for structure, ensures light and fluffy balls.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers bold flavor, creamy texture, high in calcium.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and nuttiness, rich in flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances savory notes, provides aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweet, complex flavor; boosts overall taste profile.
- Oregano: Adds earthy herb flavor, heightens complexity of dish.
- Basil: Contributes sweet, aromatic notes, promotes flavor depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat kick, enhances overall spiciness.
Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
How to Make this Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, Bisquick mix, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional cayenne pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined, using your hands for the best results.
4. Pinch off a small amount of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Continue until all the mixture is used.
5. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
8. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Grater (if cheese is not pre-grated)
7. Spatula or spoon
8. Wire rack
FAQ
- Q: Can these sausage cheese balls be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sausage cheese balls. After shaping, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Q: What type of sausage works best?
A: Ground pork sausage is recommended, but you can use spicy or flavored varieties for additional taste. Ensure it is uncooked sausage. - Q: How can I prevent the balls from being too dry?
A: Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and avoid overbaking to keep them moist. Adjust the cheese or add a dash of milk if needed. - Q: Can I substitute Bisquick mix?
A: Yes, you can use a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening as a substitute for Bisquick. - Q: What dipping sauces pair well with these?
A: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy aioli are excellent choices to serve alongside sausage cheese balls. - Q: Are these sausage cheese balls gluten-free?
A: Not with standard Bisquick mix. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free baking mix. - Q: Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate the unbaked balls for up to a day. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Ground pork sausage: You can substitute with ground turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Bisquick mix: Use homemade baking mix by combining 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt with 1/4 cup of butter.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Try using a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Dried oregano: Replace with Italian seasoning for a more complex flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Mixture: After mixing all the ingredients, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into balls that hold their shape during baking.
2. Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure uniform size and even cooking, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the sausage mixture before rolling them into balls.
3. Experiment with Cheese: For a twist on flavor, try using a blend of cheeses instead of just sharp cheddar. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice kick and depth of flavor.
4. Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, consider adding some chopped fresh parsley or chives to the mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
5. Test for Doneness: To ensure the sausage balls are fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the center of one. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
My favorite Bisquick Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Grater (if cheese is not pre-grated)
7. Spatula or spoon
8. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, Bisquick mix, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional cayenne pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined, using your hands for the best results.
4. Pinch off a small amount of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Continue until all the mixture is used.
5. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
8. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
