These tasty spicy sausage balls are packed with flavor and use simple ingredients like sausage and cheese. You won’t even miss the Bisquick here!
They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack at home. I can’t help but snack on a few extra—you probably will too! 😄
Making them is super easy! Just mix, shape, and bake. Serve with some dipping sauce, and you’ve got a winner on your hands! Enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spicy Ground Sausage: This is the star of the dish! You can use regular sausage for a milder flavor or turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you love heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes in addition to the sausage.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these balls a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a milder cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack work well too. For a twist, try adding some pepper jack for heat!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind everything together. If you’re avoiding gluten, almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix can be great alternatives. Just remember, the texture might change a bit.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for extra spice! If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use your favorite hot sauce in the mixture to kick it up a notch.
How Do I Ensure My Sausage Balls Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To make your sausage balls juicy and packed with flavor, it’s vital to mix the ingredients thoroughly but not overwork the dough. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients well before adding the sausage. This ensures even flavor distribution.
- Add the meat and cheese and mix gently until combined. Over-mixing can make them tough.
- Adjust the milk quantity as needed; the mixture should be moist but hold its shape when formed into balls.
These steps will lead to tasty, perfectly textured sausage balls that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spicy Sausage Balls without Bisquick
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound spicy ground sausage
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the spicy ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk to the dry mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. The dough should be moist but can hold its shape when you form balls. If it feels a bit dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.
4. Shape the Balls:
Now, using your hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place these balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Sausage Balls:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. They should be fragrant and look delicious!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve them warm, with optional spicy dipping sauce or mustard for an extra kick!
Enjoy these spicy, cheesy sausage balls without any Bisquick — they’re perfect as an appetizer or snack, and so easy to make!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use regular ground sausage for a milder flavor or turkey sausage for a healthier option. If you prefer a different style, Italian sausage or even chorizo would add a tasty twist.
How Can I Make These Balls Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper and use mild sausage instead. You can also substitute the sharp cheddar with a milder cheese like mozzarella to keep things gentle on the palate.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time! Form the balls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain their delicious texture!
