If you’re craving a snack that hits every note from crispy to cheesy, you’ll love this Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe. These little bites are a perfect marriage of savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan all baked to a perfect golden brown. Whether you’re serving them for a party appetizer, game day treat, or just a cozy snack, they bring an irresistible mix of textures and flavors that make every bite a delight. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich sausage bringing hearty depth, the biscuit mix providing just enough fluff and structure, to the cheeses layering on sharp and nutty flavor. These few essentials come together to create a wonderfully balanced treat.
- 1 lb ground sausage: Preferably a flavorful pork sausage to keep each bite juicy and savory.
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix: This helps the balls hold their shape while giving a tender, biscuit-like crumb.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic cheesiness and beautiful orange spots throughout.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan contributes a savory, nutty depth that really elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup milk: A little moisture to bind everything together without making it too wet.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides subtle herbal notes that complement the sausage and cheese beautifully.
How to Make Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the sausage balls to bake evenly, developing a golden-brown exterior while staying tender and juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, milk, rosemary, and thyme. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly blended; this ensures every sausage ball is perfectly seasoned and cheesy throughout.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Use your hands to shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. This size is just right for bite-sized snacking and ensures they cook thoroughly and uniformly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked all the way through. The aroma as they bake is enough to make anyone hungry!
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, these sausage balls are best enjoyed warm so you can taste the melty cheddar and parmesan cheese with every bite. They’re perfect as a comforting snack or party pleaser.
How to Serve Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper can add a pop of color and a bit of extra zing that makes your sausage balls look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls pair wonderfully with tangy mustard dips, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a more substantial spread, serve them alongside fresh vegetable sticks or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your sausage balls the star at your next gathering by arranging them on a tiered platter or serving them in mini snack cups with toothpicks. You can even thread them onto skewers for an easy grab-and-go appetizer everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for a convenient snack or quick meal the next day.
Freezing
These sausage balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they can last up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat your sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or in a microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps maintain their crispy exterior while warming the cheesy inside to melty perfection.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative. Just keep in mind it may be a bit leaner, so the sausage balls might be a little less juicy but still delicious.
What’s the best type of cheddar for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar works wonders here because it gives that vibrant, tangy flavor and color contrast. However, mild cheddar can be used if you prefer a subtler cheesiness.
Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?
Yes, swap the biscuit baking mix for a gluten-free version to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising the texture.
How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure the sausage is safely cooked through.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat to personalize your Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, filled with comforting flavors that bring people together. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering or cozy night in—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
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Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These golden-brown sausage balls combine savory ground sausage with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, infused with fragrant rosemary and thyme. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful, cheesy appetizer or snack that’s crisp on the outside and moist inside. Perfect for parties, brunches, or anytime you’re craving a flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Sausage Balls Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sausage balls evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly distributed and form a cohesive mixture.
- Shape Balls: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each shaped ball onto a baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the sausage balls turn golden brown on the outside and are fully cooked inside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the sausage balls warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as an appetizer or savory snack.
Notes
- You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh rosemary and thyme for a more intense flavor; use about 1 teaspoon of each if fresh.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Sausage balls freeze well; freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- If you prefer smaller or larger balls, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.
- Ensure the sausage used is fully thawed if previously frozen for better mixing and cooking.
