Andy Montoya
Sausage cheese balls are a popular snack food, often served at parties and gatherings. They are made by combining ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, and shredded cheese, shaping the mixture into balls, and baking them in the oven. While some recipes call for cooking the sausage beforehand to reduce grease, traditionally, the sausage goes into the mixture raw. This is because cooking the sausage first can cause the balls to become dry and not adhere well to the other ingredients. However, to reduce the grease, some people cook the sausage just enough to drain off some of the fat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Characteristics and Values of Sausage Cheese Balls:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Sausage, shredded Cheddar cheese, baking mix (e.g. Bisquick), milk, spices (e.g. rosemary, parsley, garlic powder), salt, Tabasco sauce |
| Equipment | Rimmed baking sheets, cookie scoop, large mixing bowl, spoon, measuring cups and spoons, stand mixer with paddle attachment |
| Preparation | Combine ingredients, form into walnut-sized balls, chill, then bake |
| Baking Temperature and Time | Preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 12-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve hot as appetizers, with dipping sauces such as sweet chili mayo and sour cream |
| Storage | Can be frozen before or after baking |
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What You'll Learn
- Sausage cheese balls are traditionally made with raw sausage
- You can cook the sausage first to reduce grease, but this may affect the texture
- For cream cheese sausage balls, mix the cream cheese and sausage before shaping into balls
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check if sausage balls are cooked through
- You can freeze uncooked sausage balls to bake later
Sausage cheese balls are traditionally made with raw sausage
While some recipes may call for different combinations of ingredients, such as cream cheese, milk, or additional spices, the traditional method involves using raw sausage. This is because the sausage and other ingredients are meant to bake together in the oven, allowing the flavours to meld and the sausage to cook through.
It is important to note that raw pork can harbour bacteria that may cause foodborne illnesses if undercooked. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the sausage cheese balls are fully cooked before serving. One way to check this is by using an instant-read thermometer, which should read an internal temperature of 160°F when inserted into the centre of the balls.
Additionally, to ensure even cooking, it is recommended to shape the mixture into uniform balls and leave a little space between them on the baking pan. This will also help achieve a better browning on the sausage cheese balls.
By following these traditional methods and paying attention to food safety, anyone can make delicious and safely cooked sausage cheese balls.
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You can cook the sausage first to reduce grease, but this may affect the texture
Sausage cheese balls are a popular snack, often served at parties and gatherings. They are made with a combination of sausage, cheese, and a biscuit or baking mix. The ingredients are combined, formed into balls, and then baked in the oven.
When making sausage cheese balls, there is some debate about whether to cook the sausage first or add it raw to the mixture. The traditional method is to use raw sausage, which is then baked in the oven along with the other ingredients. However, some people choose to cook the sausage first to reduce the amount of grease in the final product.
Cooking the sausage before mixing it with the other ingredients can help to remove excess fat and grease. This can be particularly useful if you are using a sausage with a high-fat content or if you prefer a less greasy texture to your sausage cheese balls. By cooking the sausage first, you can drain off some of the grease before combining it with the other ingredients.
However, cooking the sausage first can also affect the texture and consistency of the sausage cheese balls. The cooked sausage may not adhere as well to the other ingredients, resulting in a drier mixture that may not hold its shape as well during the forming and baking process. This can be mitigated by ensuring that the sausage is only partially cooked, just enough to render some of the fat, before adding it to the mixture.
Ultimately, the decision to cook the sausage first depends on personal preference and the desired texture of the sausage cheese balls. Cooking the sausage first can reduce grease, but it may also require additional adjustments to the recipe to ensure the mixture holds together properly.
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For cream cheese sausage balls, mix the cream cheese and sausage before shaping into balls
Sausage cheese balls are a popular snack, perfect for parties, holidays, and game days. They are also a great make-ahead dish, as they can be formed into balls and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
For cream cheese sausage balls, the key ingredients are sausage, cream cheese, a baking mix, and cheddar cheese. The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these sausage balls irresistibly creamy, tender, and flavorful.
To make cream cheese sausage balls, start by mixing together the sausage and cream cheese until well combined. This can be done in a stand mixer, a bowl with a hand mixer, or even by hand. The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes properly with the other ingredients. Once the sausage and cream cheese are fully incorporated, add in the baking mix and stir until combined.
Finally, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The amount of cheese can be adjusted to your preference, so feel free to be generous with your measurements if you're a cheese lover!
Once the mixture is ready, it's time to shape it into balls. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. If using your hands, you can roll the mixture into smooth, circular balls. Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to prevent them from spreading during baking.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check if sausage balls are cooked through
Sausage cheese balls are a popular snack and can be made with different types of sausages and cheeses. While some recipes use pork sausage, others may use chicken or turkey sausage. The type of meat used will impact the ideal cooking temperature.
An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to check if sausage balls are cooked through. This is especially important when cooking with raw pork, as undercooked pork can harbour bacteria that may cause foodborne illnesses. The cheese in sausage balls can also make it difficult to visually confirm doneness. Therefore, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the sausage balls are cooked thoroughly.
To use an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the centre of several sausage balls to check their internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for sausage balls is 160°F, which is considered safe for consumption. This temperature reading indicates that the sausage balls are cooked through and can be safely consumed.
It is important to note that the cooking method can impact the final temperature of the sausage balls. For example, grilling or pan-frying sausages may result in different internal temperatures compared to baking or microwaving them. Additionally, the size and shape of the sausage balls may also affect cooking times and temperatures. It is recommended to follow a reliable recipe and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the sausage balls are cooked through.
Some recipes suggest that browning on the outside of the sausage balls indicates that they are cooked through. However, it is always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to double-check, especially when cooking for a crowd or for those with sensitive stomachs. This will ensure that the sausage balls are safe to eat and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
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You can freeze uncooked sausage balls to bake later
Sausage balls are a Southern tradition and a staple at potlucks and parties. They are a combination of three staple ingredients: hot pork sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix. The creamy, cheesy, and spicy sausage balls are a crowd-pleaser and can be served as a breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner.
When you are ready to bake the sausage balls, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can bake the frozen sausage balls directly from the freezer, without thawing them first. Wrap the frozen sausage balls in aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of balls.
Alternatively, you can bake the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet without foil for 18 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until lightly browned. You can also place the frozen sausage balls in a crockpot with a damp paper towel at the bottom to prevent them from drying out. Heat the crockpot on low until the sausage balls are heated through, which may take 2 to 3 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the sausage goes in raw.
Sausage cheese balls should be baked in the oven for 12 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Yes, you can make the balls ahead of time and flash-freeze them on a baking tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat them, follow the usual baking directions, adding a few minutes to the cooking time since they're going in frozen.
No, pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking additives that can affect the texture of the sausage balls. Freshly shredded cheese is best.
