The first time I tried sausage and cheese balls was a few years ago in Illinois when we were served these snacks at our church's small group meeting. Although I loved them then, for some reason I never asked for the recipe (or maybe I did then forgot to actually follow up and get it). Thankfully, this last Christmas during our trip to Maryland, Ben's mom had a stash of these in her freezer that I came across as I was looking for something to feed Judah for breakfast. I quickly grabbed a few, heated them in the microwave for less than 30 seconds, tasted them to make sure they were not too hot for Judah, and then immediately grabbed some more for myself!
You can rest assured that I snatched the recipe from my mother in law. You are already familiar with a couple of her wonderful recipes, such as what we call her "Nana" Banana Bread and her irresistible Maryland Crab Cakes. She always finds a way to perfect any formula. With these sausage balls, she went beyond the traditional sausage, cheddar cheese and Bisquick combination, and added in the winning combination of Parmesan, milk, rosemary and parsley. Okay, I had to come back and cross this out because I just found where she got the recipe...thank you Betty Crocker! Glad I came across it before you all burst the bubble for me! But, I will still stand by my mother in law's great sense of taste! 🙂
These are super versatile, meaning you can adjust the ingredients as you wish. For example, I didn't have fresh or dried rosemary on hand, so I substituted Italian seasoning. I also didn't have cheddar cheese, so I used a Mexican cheese blend instead. You can also serve it for different courses such as breakfast, as an appetizer, lunch or a snack!
Since this yields an endless supply, I tend to quickly bake them up on a free morning and keep them in the freezer, tightly sealed in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, I just pull out a couple and warm them on top of a paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds per 3 balls. You'll be amazed at how filling only 3 tiny sausage balls can be!
Judah also loves these and will eat them for any meal or snack. It's so nice to have something ready for him in just a few seconds, especially when he's hanging on my legs allowing me to move only from the freezer to the microwave. 🙂
**The winner of Monday's Pillsbury bread basket giveaway is Francine, who said:
"My husband is lactose intolerant, so the easiest way to make a yummy chocolate cake and frosting is with a box mix. The seamless crescent roll sheet makes it easier to use it as a quiche dough. That french bread dough sounds good to try!"
Congratulations, Francine! Check your inbox, I'll be sending you an email soon!
Sausage and Cheese Balls
Yield: 6-7 dozen (original states 8 ½, but I just don't see it)
3 cups baking mix, such as Bisquick
1 lb. pork sausage
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used a Mexican cheese blend)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon parsley flakes)
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Using the paddle attachment, mix all ingredients together in the bowl of a stand mixer. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands, but it will take some elbow grease. Roll into 1" balls and place on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (optional), such as barbecue or chili sauce.
To freeze: Allow the sausage balls to cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, warm on top of a paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds per 3 sausage balls. Or, warm in a preheated 350˚F oven for 10 minutes.
Source: Mama G, originally from Betty Crocker
Denise says
Made these for the church Ladies Christmas Brunch. They were a hit. We had over 100 ladies as we are a small church and this made 8 dozen. Great recipe for a large group. Thanks for posting.
Carrie says
We don't eat pork. I 'd like to try these with turkey sausage, but I don't think there would be enough fat. Any suggestions?
Nikki says
Actually, I would go ahead and try it with the turkey sausage. Seems like it would work to me! 🙂 Report back, if you do!
Mary says
Can I make the batter for this yummy snack the night before I bake them? I'm co-hosting a party with a friend and we are trying to make ahead anything and everything we can! However, I want these to be freshly baked before I serve them. Possible?
Nikki says
Mary - Absolutely! 🙂
Ken says
I love makeing a variant on there but instead of rosemary and parsley, I put in garlic
Kelly G. says
I just made these and they turned out great! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Laurel says
Wow, don't these look good! We're featuring side dishes over at the M&T Spotlight this week and I'd love for you to submit this (and any other great recipes you love!) https://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
Sue Gladd says
Hahaha, thank you, Betty Crocker. She was the FIRST cookbook I used as a newlywed, and, boy, did I lots to learn! Nikki, I had another sausage ball recipe for years, but when I saw this one, I knew the other one was going in the trash! SO GLADD you enjoy these; they really are great finger food for breakfast or parties. I think the next time around I'll try lightening up on the parmesan cheese...
Stephanie says
I love sausage balls & I love that this is a new spin on the traditional!
MaryMoh says
Wonderful finger food. These would be great for parties. IThanks very much for sharing.
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
These look really good!
notyet100 says
looks so delicious
Kitten with a Whisk says
Count me in! These sound really yummy.
Kim says
These look great, and I can't wait to make them! I'm a little confused about the sausage. Did you just remove the casings from uncooked sausage? Do you cook it first? Thanks!
Nikki says
Hi Kim,
No, do not cook the sausage first. If the sausage you use has casings, then yes, remove them first. 🙂 I use this Jimmy Dean's sausage.
laura says
thank you posting this recipe!