Sausage Cheese Balls

Sausage Cheese Balls

These savory Sausage Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Packed with flavorful ground sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and just enough egg to hold it all together, they’re crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tube of ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
  • 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, as desired)
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Use clean hands or a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.

3. Form the Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball (a cookie scoop works great for consistency). Roll the mixture into smooth, round balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake the Cheese Balls:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked through and the cheese balls are golden brown on the outside. To check doneness, cut one open to ensure the sausage is no longer pink inside.

5. Drain Excess Grease (Optional):
If there’s excess grease after baking, transfer the cheese balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.

6. Serve Warm:
Let the cheese balls cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or marinara.

Tips for Success

  • Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
  • Add-Ins (Optional): Mix in diced onions, minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper for added flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese balls ahead of time, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd—just increase the ingredients proportionally.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option (though the texture may soften).

These Sausage Cheese Balls are packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cheesy, meaty snack, this recipe is sure to please!