Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Sausage balls burst with mouthwatering potential, delivering a flavor explosion that makes appetizer lovers swoon.

These savory spheres pack a punchy combination of meat and cheese into compact, irresistible bites.

Southern cooks have long cherished this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms humble ingredients into culinary magic.

Spicy sausage mingles with sharp cheddar, creating a texture that’s crisp on the outside and tender within.

Each golden-brown ball promises a symphony of robust tastes that spark instant excitement at any gathering.

Packed with protein and pure deliciousness, these sausage balls elevate casual snacking to an art form.

You can become the hero of your next potluck with this ridiculously addictive recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Tools to Make Sausage Balls Perfect

• Oven: Preheated to the perfect temperature for golden-brown sausage balls.
• Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for easy cooking and clean-up.
• Medium Bowl: For mixing dry ingredients with precision.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining sausage, cheese, and seasonings.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning smoothly.
• Stand Mixer (optional): Helpful paddle attachment for thorough mixing.
• Small Bowl: For creating the creamy honey mustard dip.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for portioning ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing components.

How to Roll and Bake Sausage Balls

• Fire Up the Oven Create a toasty baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cooking surface.
• Craft Flavor Foundation Whisk together flour, baking powder, and zesty Creole seasoning in a medium bowl to build a robust flavor base for the sausage balls.
• Build Sausage Mixture Combine crumbled ground sausage, softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and finely chopped green onions in a large mixing bowl. Blend the dry ingredients into this mixture, using your hands or a stand mixer to create a cohesive and well-mixed texture.
• Shape and Arrange Roll the mixture into compact bite-sized balls, placing them carefully on the prepared baking sheets with a slight separation to ensure even cooking.
• Bake to Golden Deliciousness Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until the sausage balls transform into golden-brown, crispy morsels of deliciousness.
• Whip Up Tangy Dipping Sauce Create a quick and zesty dip by stirring mayonnaise, honey, yellow and whole-grain mustards, and a splash of white vinegar until smooth and creamy.
• Serve and Savor Let the sausage balls cool briefly, then serve warm alongside the irresistible honey mustard sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that'll have everyone coming back for more.

Tips for Sausage Flavor and Texture

Explore exciting flavor twists and smart cooking strategies to elevate this classic appetizer.

Replace Creole seasoning with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat that’ll make taste buds dance.

Swap cheddar with pepper jack, gouda, or crumbled blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight guests.

Prepare sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. Roll and bake just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.

Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising delicious taste.

Serving Sausage Balls for Breakfast or Snacks

• Pair with Party Platter: Arrange these golden sausage balls on a festive wooden board with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or holiday gatherings.
• Create Brunch Centerpiece: Nestle these savory bites alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a Southern-style weekend brunch spread that'll impress guests.
• Craft Appetizer Combo: Serve alongside other finger foods like mini quiches, jalapeño poppers, and crispy vegetable sticks for a diverse and crowd-pleasing appetizer selection.
• Design Dipping Station: Set up the honey mustard dip in a small decorative bowl at the center, encouraging guests to explore different dipping styles and flavor combinations.

Storing Sausage Balls for Later Use

• Maximize Freshness: Store sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Prepare a batch ahead of time by freezing uncooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep perfectly for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen sausage balls in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Prep Like a Pro: Mix the sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and makes party prep a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients That Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better texture and more robust flavor.
• Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal rise.
• Creole Seasoning: Choose a premium blend with balanced spice levels.

• Ground Sausage, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Pick high-quality, full-fat versions for maximum richness.
• Cream Cheese: Use room temperature block for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Green Onions: Select bright green, crisp stalks with firm white bottoms.

• Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat, creamy variety.
• Honey: Use raw, local honey for deeper flavor profile.
• Yellow Mustard, Whole-Grain Mustard: Combine different styles for complex taste.
• White Vinegar: Select clear, distilled type for clean, sharp notes.

Cheesy Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman sausage balls deliver a Southern classic packed with cheesy, spicy goodness. Guests will devour these bite-sized appetizers at potlucks and game-day gatherings with pure comfort and delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork sausage (mild or hot)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tsp white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning in a mixing bowl.
2. Mixing: Crumble sausage into a large bowl and blend with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Gradually fold in dry flour mixture, kneading until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
3. Forming: Craft uniform spherical morsels using a tablespoon measure. Position sausage balls on prepared baking sheets with approximately 1-inch separation to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Roasting: Slide baking sheets into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Rotate sheets if needed, watching for golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, whole-grain mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
6. Serving: Transfer crispy sausage balls to a decorative platter. Accompany with freshly whisked honey mustard sauce, allowing guests to indulge in these savory appetizer bites.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Mixing Technique: Mix ingredients by hand to prevent overworking the mixture, which can make sausage balls tough and dense.
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending and consistent texture.
• Sauce Customization: Adjust honey mustard sauce ratios to personal taste, balancing sweetness and tang for a personalized dipping experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg