It’s the holiday season, and you’re tasked with bringing an appetizer to the family potluck. You want something that’s easy to make but packs a flavorful punch. Enter these sausage balls – they’re cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-addictive.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, ground
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra kick!)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Yield: About 30 sausage balls Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Let’s Get Rolling!
- Preheat and Prep: Crank up that oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, your future self will thank you for this easy cleanup hack.
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cheese, flour, milk, baking powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix until everything is well combined. It’s like playing with edible Play-Doh – fun and delicious!
- Egg It On: Add the beaten egg to the mixture and mix again. This helps bind everything together so your sausage balls don’t fall apart mid-bite (a true party foul).
- Roll Out: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Pro tip: use a small ice cream scoop for uniform size. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop these bad boys in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering!
- Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can resist), then serve them up and watch them disappear!
Spice It Up!
Want to take these sausage balls to the next level? Here are some Fan Favorite variations:
- Cheesy Overload: Mix in some pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy-cheesy kick.
- Herbalicious: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the mix.
- Dippin’ Good: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
The Party Doesn’t Stop Here
These Spicy Cheese Sausage Balls are just the beginning of your party food journey. They’re perfect for game day snacks, holiday appetizers, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing finger food. Make a big batch and freeze some for later – future you will be so grateful!
Ready to become the MVP of your next gathering? Give these sausage balls a whirl and let us know how they turn out! Share your creations on social media with #HarvestHelperSausageBalls – we can’t wait to see (and drool over) your spicy, cheesy masterpieces!
Happy cooking, and may your parties always be filled with delicious bites and happy guests!
