Few things summon a roomful of eager eaters quicker than the aroma of Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan. This crowd-pleasing classic brings together juicy pork sausage, plenty of oozy sharp cheddar, and a dusting of nutty Parmesan, all gently tucked in a golden, tender bite-sized package. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party snack, a low-carb lunchbox hero, or a make-ahead breakfast treat, these are about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan lies in just a handful of pantry-friendly staples—each ingredient has a role, and together, they make every bite irresistible. A good balance of flavors, textures, and that signature cheesy speckle mean these are way more than the sum of their parts.
- Ground Pork Sausage: Choose your favorite variety; mild, spicy, or even breakfast-style for customizable flavor with juicy richness.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the cheddar, the deeper the flavor and gorgeous molten cheese pulls.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Not just for garnish—the Parm crisps up and adds distinctive nutty, salty notes.
- Almond Flour: Keeps these gluten-free and adds tenderness; regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs make a great substitute!
- Garlic Powder: A savory punch that balances all the richness.
- Onion Powder: For subtle sweetness and that classic sausage ball aroma while baking.
- Black Pepper: Wakes up every bite with a hint of warmth.
- Salt: Enhances all those cheesy, savory, meaty flavors to perfection.
- Large Egg: Works as a binder, ensuring your sausage balls stay tender and never fall apart.
How to Make Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This isn’t just about nonstick convenience—the parchment ensures your Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan bake up evenly and release easily, so you don’t miss out on any crispy edges.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Grab a large mixing bowl and add in the ground pork sausage, sharp cheddar, freshly grated Parmesan, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and the egg. Roll up your sleeves and dive in—mix everything by hand until it’s fully combined, making sure the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed so every sausage ball gets its fair share of flavor.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into even pieces, then gently roll each into a 1-inch ball. This step ensures your Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan cook evenly and look oh-so-inviting on a platter.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. This gives them room to cook up golden and lets the cheese bubble and brown just where you want it. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes before serving—this not only makes them easier to handle but allows the cheese to set slightly, so you get that perfect pop of flavor in every bite! Trust me, the anticipation is worth it.
How to Serve Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives right before serving adds a burst of color and a layer of freshness that really makes your Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan sing. For a little zing, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a swirl of your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
Side Dishes
These savory bites pair beautifully with crisp fresh veggies like celery sticks and cherry tomatoes, a simple green salad, or even a platter of pickles and olives. For brunch, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes for a meal that feels like a feast but is oh-so-easy to prepare.
Creative Ways to Present
Pop Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan onto skewers for a fancy appetizer look, or set them up in mini muffin liners for effortless grab-and-go snacking at parties. If you’re feeling festive, lay them out with colorful toothpicks and a flight of homemade dipping sauces—watch them vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store your Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They hold up wonderfully and make perfect snacks or quick lunches straight from the fridge.
Freezing
Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan are freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just remember to label them, because you’ll definitely be making these again.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop sausage balls in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave in bursts until warmed through. For the best texture (think crispy edges, oozy cheese), the oven is your friend here. If reheating from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes and cover loosely with foil to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While pork sausage delivers classic flavor, you can easily swap in turkey, chicken, or even a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the fat content—leaner meats can sometimes make the mixture drier, so you might want to add a bit more cheese or a splash of milk if needed.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
A quick trick: Lightly oil your hands or spray your cookie scoop with nonstick spray before shaping each ball. This makes rolling super easy and keeps the cheese from sticking to your fingers.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?
Freshly shredded cheese off the block melts better and gives the Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan a superior texture compared to pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents. It’s worth the extra minute or two!
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes—make the mixture and shape the sausage balls a day ahead, then refrigerate them right on the baking tray. When you’re ready to party, just bake as usual. They also reheat beautifully, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
How can I make these extra spicy?
If you’re craving heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture or choose a spicy sausage. Serve with hot sauce or a spicy ranch dip on the side to really turn up the flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and become the most popular person at your next gathering, don’t wait another minute—give Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan a try. They’re savory, cheesy, and so easy to love. You might want to make a double batch—trust me, they disappear fast!
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Golden-brown Sausage Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These golden-brown sausage balls are a delightful appetizer or snack, bursting with flavors of sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these savory treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and egg. Mix well.
- Form Balls: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour with regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- These can be made ahead and reheated for quick snacks or appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sausage balls
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
