If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, this Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine bite-sized morsels loaded with spicy pork sausage, creamy cheese, and just the right hint of green chiles and taco seasoning to give them that unforgettable southwestern kick. These golden, cheesy balls are the perfect party appetizer, game day treat, or anytime indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through this easy recipe so you can bring this crowd-pleaser straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy that makes every bite irresistible.
- Hot pork sausage: This packs the dish with savory, spicy flavor and juicy texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together with a smooth, creamy touch.
- Bisquick: Contributes structure and just the right tenderness to the sausage balls.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses bold southwestern spices that transport your taste buds.
- Diced green chiles (undrained): Brings subtle heat and a vibrant color punch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside, providing sharpness and gooey delight.
How to Make Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help your sausage balls develop a perfectly browned, crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Combine the hot pork sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, taco seasoning, undrained diced green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. If you have a KitchenAid mixer with a dough hook, this is a great time to use it—it makes mixing easier and ensures everything is evenly combined. Otherwise, use a sturdy spoon or your hands to blend it all thoroughly.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Once your mixture is well combined, roll it into 1-inch balls. This size is perfect for baking evenly and serving as a bite-sized treat that’s easy to pop in your mouth.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a nonstick surface, leaving a bit of space between each ball. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen is irresistible at this point!
How to Serve Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Your sausage balls are already packed with flavor, but a little garnish can take their presentation and taste up a notch. Try topping them with a dollop of sour cream, some chopped fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair these spicy bites with classic sides like guacamole, salsa, or a cool creamy ranch dip. A simple Mexican street corn salad or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette can also complement these sausage balls, balancing rich flavors with some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe on a festive platter surrounded by mini tortillas or corn chips to encourage scooping and sharing. Skewer them with cocktail sticks along with a cherry tomato or slice of avocado for a fun appetizer twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras (though these usually don’t last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the sausage balls uncooked, which is a real time saver for busy days. Just shape them as usual, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to their cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or microwave them briefly until warm. They will regain their delightful texture and flavor quickly, ready for another round of snacking.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using mild sausage will tone down the heat, making the sausage balls more kid-friendly while still deliciously flavorful. Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to keep some spice if you like.
Is there a substitute for Bisquick?
You can use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt if you don’t have Bisquick on hand. The Bisquick adds a bit of tenderness and rise, but a homemade mix works fine too.
Can I make these vegetarian?
While the original Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe relies on pork sausage, you can try plant-based sausage alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegetarian version. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different but still tasty!
How spicy are these sausage balls?
They have a nice medium kick thanks to the hot pork sausage and taco seasoning combined with the mild heat from the green chiles. You can dial the spice up or down by choosing mild sausage or omitting extra seasoning as you prefer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover sausage balls without drying them out?
Reheating in the oven at a moderate temperature helps maintain moisture better than microwaving. Cover them loosely with foil and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through to keep them juicy and soft.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe truly shines as a versatile, crowd-pleasing snack that’s just as perfect for a casual family night as it is for holiday gatherings. The balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a golden crust is downright addictive. I can’t wait for you to try making them and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple on your appetizer rotation!
Print
Mexican Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (approximately 25 sausage balls) 1x
Description
These Mexican Sausage Balls are a flavorful, cheesy appetizer that combines spicy hot pork sausage, cream cheese, and taco seasoning with shredded cheddar and diced green chiles. Perfectly baked to golden brown, they make a delicious party snack or game day treat, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) package hot pork sausage
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the sausage balls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine the hot pork sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, taco seasoning, diced green chiles (with their liquid), and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform dough.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface, spacing them slightly apart. Bake at 400ºF for 18 to 22 minutes or until the sausage balls are browned and cooked through.
- Freeze Option: If desired, freeze uncooked sausage balls by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When ready to bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure thorough cooking.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to make mixing easier and ensure even distribution.
- For a milder flavor, substitute hot pork sausage with mild pork sausage.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on oven type and ball size; watch for golden brown color and internal cooking.
- Sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
