Patrick Oconnell
Sausage cheese balls are a great snack, appetizer, or breakfast option that can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. They are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. To cook frozen sausage cheese balls, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the recipe. Place the frozen balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for around 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can serve them as finger food with various dips, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350-400°F |
| Baking time | 15-30 minutes |
| Baking time from frozen | 17-30 minutes |
| Reheating time | 10-15 minutes |
| Baking sheet preparation | Lined with parchment paper |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook frozen sausage cheese balls in the oven
Sausage cheese balls are a great appetizer and can be cooked from frozen with ease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen sausage cheese balls in the oven:
Ingredients
- Sausage meat (you can use a variety of sausages, from regular to spicy, or even half and half)
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for the best texture)
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Milk (optional)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. The higher temperature will reduce cooking time.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pressing and kneading the mixture together with your hands. You can add a little milk if the mixture is too dry.
- Shape the mixture into 3/4-1 inch balls. A cookie scoop can help with portioning.
- Place the balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for better browning.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Remove the sausage cheese balls from the oven and serve warm. You can serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard, if desired.
Tips
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing for better blending.
- Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Use a high-sided baking pan to prevent the balls from rolling off during cooking.
- Freeze any uncooked or cooked sausage balls in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. There is no need to thaw them before baking.
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How to cook frozen sausage cheese balls in the microwave
To cook frozen sausage cheese balls in the microwave, first, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Then, heat them in the microwave for a minute or two until fully warmed. You can also heat them for about 10-20 seconds per sausage ball. To ensure they are cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
If you are cooking the sausage cheese balls from frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time. First, microwave the sausage balls uncovered on medium (50%) for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thawed. Then, microwave them on medium-high (70%) for 1 to 3 minutes, or until fully warmed.
Note that some people find that sausage cheese balls become rubbery when reheated in the microwave. If you prefer, you can reheat them in the oven or the toaster oven.
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How to prepare frozen sausage cheese balls before cooking
Preparing frozen sausage cheese balls before cooking is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick) with any additional dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper. You can also add in any desired spices or herbs at this stage, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or parsley.
- Prepare the cheese: Shred or grate your chosen cheese, such as sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese. It is recommended to shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties as they contain anti-caking agents that may affect the melting process.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the shredded cheese to the dry ingredient mixture and combine until well incorporated. You can use a food processor or mix by hand with gloved hands.
- Add the sausage: Use ground hot pork sausage or substitute it with other types of sausage like Italian sausage or breakfast sausage. Break apart the sausage and add it to the cheese and dry ingredient mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined. If you are using raw pork, ensure you follow safe food handling practices.
- Add binders: To help bind the mixture, you can add a small amount of liquid such as water, milk, or beer. You can also add an egg to help bind the ingredients together. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape into balls: Use a small scoop to portion the mixture, then roll it into balls. The recommended size varies, with some recipes suggesting 3/4-inch balls, while others suggest 1-inch balls or walnut-sized balls. You can also lightly grease your palms or wet your hands to help press the mixture together.
- Flash freeze: Place the shaped balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Space them out to prevent sticking. Freeze for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Store in freezer bags: Once the sausage cheese balls are frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe zip-top bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one to three months, depending on the recipe.
- Thawing (optional): Some recipes suggest bringing the frozen sausage cheese balls to room temperature before baking, while others recommend baking them directly from frozen, which may increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
By following these steps, you can efficiently prepare frozen sausage cheese balls and store them for future cooking, making them a convenient and tasty snack or appetizer.
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How long to cook frozen sausage cheese balls
To cook frozen sausage cheese balls, you will need to preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Place the frozen sausage cheese balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the balls and the temperature of your oven. Smaller balls, around 3/4-inch in diameter, will cook faster and should be ready in about 15 to 18 minutes. Larger balls, around 1-inch in diameter, will take longer and should be baked for 25 to 30 minutes.
It is important to note that you should always check the internal temperature of the sausage cheese balls before consuming them. The balls are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
If you are reheating already-baked frozen sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
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How to store frozen sausage cheese balls
Sausage cheese balls are a great dish to make ahead of time and store for later. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep them.
If you want to store your sausage cheese balls in the refrigerator, make sure they are cooled within 2 hours of baking to prevent bacteria growth. Place them in a food storage container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
If you want to store your sausage cheese balls in the freezer, there are a few methods you can use. One method is to place the uncooked balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are firm. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Another method is to bake the sausage cheese balls first, then let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe food storage container, separated by layers of waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent them from freezing together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months using this method as well.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen sausage cheese balls, simply reheat them in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave until they are heated through. If using a microwave, reheat on medium-high (70%) for 1 to 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. You can also thaw them first by microwaving on medium (50%) for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the quantity, and then reheating until warmed through.
Sausage cheese balls are a versatile and delicious dish that can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for future enjoyment. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, or a quick snack. With proper storage, you can have tasty sausage cheese balls whenever the craving strikes!
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