Cooking Sausage Cheese Balls: How Long Does It Take?

Sausage cheese balls are a popular snack or appetiser, especially during the holidays. They are easy to make and can be served at parties, as a breakfast treat, or even as a game-day snack. The cooking time for sausage cheese balls typically ranges from 12 to 25 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of the balls.

Oven temperature and cooking time

Preheat your oven: Most recipes recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175-177°C). This is an important step as it ensures your sausage cheese balls cook evenly.

Cooking time: The cooking time for sausage cheese balls can vary depending on the size of your balls and your oven. On average, they should bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven. However, some recipes suggest a shorter cooking time of 12-15 minutes, while others recommend up to 30 minutes for larger balls or those cooked from frozen. It's important to ensure that your sausage cheese balls are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) at their centres.

Oven rack position: For even cooking, it's best to place your sausage cheese balls on a baking sheet in the middle rack position of your oven. This ensures that the heat circulates evenly around them.

Checking for doneness: To ensure your sausage cheese balls are fully cooked, look for a golden brown colour on the outside, and use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The balls should be firm to the touch and have an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut one open to ensure the sausage is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Resting: Once your sausage cheese balls are cooked, it's a good idea to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and sets the balls, making them easier to handle.

Storing and reheating: Sausage cheese balls are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked or uncooked sausage cheese balls for longer-term storage. To reheat, use the oven or microwave, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients for sausage cheese balls are simple: you'll need pork sausage, biscuit baking mix (Bisquick), and cheese. You can also add in some milk, spices, and seasonings to taste.

For the pork sausage, you'll want to use ground pork sausage, which is raw and uncooked. You can use a mild Italian sausage, a maple syrup-sweet breakfast sausage, or even a hot spiced sausage. Just make sure it's ground sausage, not a cooked smoked sausage.

For the biscuit baking mix, you can use a store-bought mix like Bisquick, or make your own from scratch. This will act as a binding agent and give the sausage balls their structure.

For the cheese, a sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. Grating your own block of cheese will give the best results, as pre-shredded cheese can be too dry. You can also add in some Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

• 1 pound of ground pork sausage
• 2 cups of biscuit baking mix
• 1 pound of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of milk (optional, if the mixture seems dry)
• Spices and seasonings to taste (e.g. cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, chives, rosemary, parsley)

To make the sausage cheese balls, simply combine the sausage, biscuit mix, and cheese in a large bowl. You can use your hands or a stand mixer to mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Then, form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet.

If you want to get creative, you can also add in some extra ingredients like cream cheese, salsa, or diced onions. Just make sure that any raw ingredients are cooked sufficiently before serving.

Shaping the sausage balls

Once the mixture is ready, it's time to start shaping it into balls. Aim for a walnut-sized ball, or a little larger, and place them on a baking sheet. You can use a cookie scoop to help you get the right amount of mixture, and then roll it into a ball with your hands. If you want to be extra precise, you can use a scale to weigh each ball, but this isn't necessary.

If you want to make sure your sausage balls are all the same size, you can use a spring-loaded scoop or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture before rolling it into balls. This will guarantee even sizing, which will help them bake evenly.

Once you have shaped all the mixture into balls, they are ready to be baked!

Freezing sausage balls

Sausage balls can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. If you want to freeze uncooked sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until firm. Then, transfer the balls to resealable plastic freezer bags and place them back in the freezer. These will last for up to 1 month in the freezer. When you want to cook them, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until brown and at least 160°F in the centre.

If you want to freeze cooked sausage balls, allow them to cool, then place them on an ungreased baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until firm. Place the partially frozen sausage balls in a heavy plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Seal, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a snack or appetiser, reheat them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F at their centres.

Sauces to serve with sausage balls

Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. While they are delicious on their own, serving them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are some sauce suggestions to elevate your sausage balls:

Barbecue Sauce

A classic, smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce is the perfect pairing for sausage balls. It adds a punch of flavour to the savory sausage and cheese. You can opt for a store-bought variety or make your own from scratch for a more authentic taste.

Chili Sauce

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a chili sauce is an excellent choice. You can either make your own homemade chili sauce or opt for a store-bought version. This sweet and spicy sauce will surely be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly!

Garlic-Herb Dressing

If you prefer a creamier dip, a garlic-herb dressing is the way to go. This can be made by mixing a mayo or yogurt base with garlic salt, freshly chopped herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It's a perfect blend of creamy and savory, with a slight tang from the garlic.

Ranch Dressing

A well-loved and classic ranch dressing is another excellent choice to pair with sausage balls. It has a creamy, herbaceous, and slightly tangy flavour that complements the sausage beautifully. For an extra kick of flavour, mix in a spoonful of fresh basil pesto.

Honey Mustard Sauce

For a touch of sweetness, a honey mustard sauce is a perfect dip for sausage balls. The combination of honey and mustard creates a delightful balance of sweet and savoury. This sauce is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Spicy Catsup Sauce

If you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy catsup sauce. This unique sauce is made with Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt. It has a bold flavour that will enhance the taste of the sausage balls.

Comeback Sauce

Comeback sauce is a classic Southern sauce that is perfect for dipping sausage balls. It has a tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy flavour that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Jezebel Sauce

For something a little different, try serving your sausage balls with Jezebel sauce. This fruity and spicy sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. It typically includes pineapple, apple jelly, mustard, and horseradish, creating a unique and addictive flavour.

Remoulade

Remoulade is a classic French sauce that is perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated dip. It is similar to mayonnaise but with a tangy, slightly spicy flavour. It often includes ingredients such as mustard, paprika, and herbs, making it a perfect pairing for sausage balls.

Sweet Chili Sauce

For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their spice, a sweet chili sauce is an excellent choice. This sauce has a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that will elevate your sausage balls to the next level.

Frequently asked questions