I’m a fan …

Sausage Cheese Balls!

I don’t know how long this recipe has been around, all I do know is that it requires a baking mix like Bisquick or you can mix up your own recipe for Baking Mix yourself. This recipe is fairly flexible, you can use the un-seasoned ground pork or you can jump right into a flavored Italian sausage and have fun with the flavors.

I remember during the holidays, my mom would break out this recipe and whip up several batches. Before baking them, she would separate some out and freeze the rest to have on hand. At first I would be disappointed that all of her hard work in the kitchen was all for Sausage Cheese Balls instead of something sweet, like Cookies! But the next morning when I would wake up to the smell of them baking, I had a half awake smile on my face and would drift into the kitchen awaiting my plate of Sausage Cheese Balls for breakfast.

You can make them for parties or as snacks for the kids after school, warm them up for breakfast and let’s not forget that they are a Holiday favorite for parties and get togethers.

These are also great for the kids to get involved. They can grate the cheese … or open the bag of grated cheese {cough}… and they love to get their little paws all messy and mush it around mixing it up. Just make sure they thoroughly wash their hands really good after working with the raw meat. 😉

Also for those that cannot find Bisquick, try making this All Purpose Baking Mix, a home blended version to keep on hand. Remember be creative  don’t be afraid to add your own personal flair to it. I like the idea of adding fennel, sage or chili to them and maybe a mustard dip concoction…OR even changing out the cheese with a mix of cheeses or a touch of Gruyere, okay … I’m ready to experiment more with it myself.

Click Here to view the All Purpose Baking Mix recipe.

Sausage Cheese Balls

Yield: 3 - 4 Dozen

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Bringing back some nostalgia with Sausage Cheese Balls. Easy to make, great for freezing.

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Ingredients

My Mom's Classic Version:

• 1 lb ground Sausage (sausage mince)
• 3 cups baking mix, I used Bisquick
• 1 lb Cheddar cheese, shredded (Sharp, I used Medium)
• 1/4 tsp. Pepper

My Pimped Up Version:

• 1 lb ground Sausage
• 2 cups Baking Mix
• 1 lb (16 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Thyme
• 1 tsp dried Parsley
• 1/2 tsp crushed dried Chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. (Both are prepared the same)
3. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
4. Mixing with hands, blend well.
5. Spray non-stick spray on baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
6. With your mixture, form 1 inch balls rolling between hands and place on baking sheet 1 inch apart. Repeat with remaining mixture.
7. (At this point, you can freeze the Sausage Balls by laying on a cookie sheet and placing in freezer for about 1 hour until they start to firm up and then you can transfer them to a freezer proof container and keep frozen for up to a month. When ready to bake, remove from freezer and bake at 350F for about 25 - 30 minutes or until golden.)
8. Bake at 350F for 20 - 25 minutes or until Sausage Cheese Balls are golden.
9. Cool and Serve.
10. Makes about 3 - 4 Dozen.

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Stacey Doyle

Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.