Get ready to meet your new favorite party appetizer! These aren’t your average, dry sausage balls. We’re talking incredibly moist, flavor-packed bites of spicy sausage, held together with a decadent trio of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan. They’re ridiculously easy to make, naturally low-carb, and guaranteed to disappear from the platter in minutes. Whether it’s game day, a holiday gathering, or just a Tuesday, these cheesy sausage balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• 1 pound / 450g spicy pork sausage, ground
• 8 ounces / 225g cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup / 56g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup / 33g shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon / 15ml Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon / 1.5g garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon / 1.5g salt
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until all are thoroughly combined.
4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts
• Approximate values per sausage ball
• Calories: 102.3
• Protein: 5.9g
• Fat: 9.6g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Sausage Balls
• For easier mixing, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin.
• Use a small cookie scoop to create uniformly sized balls. This ensures they all cook evenly in the same amount of time.
• Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
• Mix the just until combined. Overworking the sausage can result in tough, dense sausage balls.
FAQ
Q: Are these sausage balls keto-friendly
A: Yes, this cheesy sausage balls recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. It contains no flour, breadcrumbs, or baking mix, making it a perfect high-fat, high-protein appetizer for a ketogenic diet.
Q: Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the raw sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked balls for up to 3 months; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I keep my sausage balls from being dry
A: The key to moist sausage balls is the combination of cream cheese and full-fat sausage. Unlike recipes with Bisquick, this trio of cheeses ensures every bite is incredibly juicy and flavorful. Also, be careful not to overmix the ingredients or overbake them.
Q: What can I serve with cheesy sausage balls
A: These sausage balls are fantastic on their own but also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider serving them with a creamy ranch dip, a spicy aioli, or a sugar-free marinara sauce for an easy and delicious party appetizer.
