Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe for Easy Appetizers

Sausage balls from Paula Deen burst with Southern charm, transforming ordinary ingredients into culinary magic.

These delectable bites pack a punch of flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Cheese, sausage, and baking mix mingle to create an irresistible appetizer that screams comfort food.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, each morsel tells a story of home-style cooking.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making these sausage balls a go-to recipe for busy home cooks.

The aroma alone will draw hungry guests to the kitchen, promising a snack that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Check out this Southern classic and watch as these little flavor bombs disappear in moments.

Tips and Cheese Variations for Sausage Balls

Explore different ways to make this classic appetizer uniquely yours.

Add a kick of heat by mixing in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sausage ball mixture for those who love a little extra zest.

Experiment with various cheese combinations like pepper jack, sharp white cheddar, or a smoky gouda to transform the flavor profile instantly.

Prepare the sausage ball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply roll and bake for a stress-free appetizer that saves precious party prep time.

Swap out regular baking mix for a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Warm

• Brunch Bonanza: Serve these cheesy sausage balls as a star appetizer during weekend brunches, pairing perfectly with mimosas or bloody marys.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange the sausage balls on a festive platter with toothpicks, making them easy to grab during game day gatherings or holiday parties.
• Dip and Delight: Offer multiple dipping sauces like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or honey mustard to give guests exciting flavor choices.
• Quick Snack Solution: Pack these portable sausage balls in lunch boxes or keep them as a quick protein-packed snack for on-the-go moments.

Sausage Ball Storage Guide

• Optimize Freshness: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Sealing prevents moisture and maintains their delicious texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy or rubbery results.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled sausage balls in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Sauce Storage Tip: Keep the mustard-mayonnaise dipping sauce refrigerated in a sealed container. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal flavor and safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 24

All Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls

• Ground Sausage: Select fresh, high-quality sausage with robust flavor and minimal fat for best texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Choose aged cheddar for sharper taste and smoother melting properties.

• Baking Mix: Opt for reliable brand with consistent texture and rising capacity.
• Mayonnaise: Select full-fat version for richer, creamier consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Pick authentic French-style mustard for authentic tangy kick.

• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground peppercorns for maximum aromatic intensity and zesty flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for Paula Deen Sausage Balls

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan for even cooking and easy removal.
• Spatula: Flexible tool for moving and turning sausage balls.
• Whisk: Small utensil for blending dipping sauce smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray: Nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Hands: Best tool for mixing and shaping sausage balls.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls

• Fire Up the Cooking Station

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a quick spray of oil on a baking sheet to keep things from sticking.

• Blend Savory Components

Dive into a mixing bowl and smoosh together cheese, ground sausage, baking mix, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and mayo. Squish and mix with your hands until the blend feels crumbly and slightly tacky.

• Craft Bite-Sized Morsels

Pinch out small handfuls of the mixture and roll between your palms, creating round delights about an inch wide. Press firmly so they hold their shape.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the sausage nuggets across the prepared baking sheet, leaving breathing room between each morsel. Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, giving them a gentle flip halfway through to ensure even browning.

• Whip Up a Zesty Companion

Quickly whisk together extra mustard and mayo until silky smooth, creating a tangy dipping partner for your sausage treasures.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out the golden-brown delights, let them cool slightly, and serve alongside the creamy sauce. Watch them disappear in moments!

Mouthwatering Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Savory paula deen sausage balls combine sharp cheddar, zesty sausage, and baking mix for irresistible party appetizers. Southern comfort meets simple preparation, delivering crowd-pleasing bites you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage
• 4 cups (340 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups (375 g) baking mix
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/8 tbsp (0.125 tbsps) pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixture Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine grated cheddar cheese, baking mix, ground sausage, ground black pepper, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Use fingertips to blend ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly, cohesive texture that holds together when pressed.
3. Shaping and Arranging: Form compact 1-inch spheres by gently rolling the mixture between palms, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure optimal heat circulation and crisp exterior development.
4. Baking Process: Roast the sausage balls for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through to promote even browning and prevent surface sticking. Look for a golden-brown color and consistent texture as indicators of doneness.
5. Sauce Creation: While baking, whisk together additional Dijon mustard and mayonnaise to create a smooth, complementary dipping sauce that enhances the sausage balls’ flavor profile.
6. Serving: Remove sausage balls from the oven and let rest briefly. Plate warm with the prepared mustard-mayonnaise sauce, ready to be enjoyed as a delectable appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients: Keep cheese and sausage cold before mixing to help ingredients bind better and create a more cohesive texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Use fingertips instead of utensils to blend ingredients, preventing overworking the mixture and maintaining a light, crumbly consistency.
• Uniform Ball Sizing: Roll sausage balls precisely to 1-inch diameter for consistent cooking and attractive presentation, ensuring even baking and golden-brown exterior.
• Sauce Pairing Tip: Customize mustard-mayonnaise dipping sauce by adjusting mustard ratio to personal taste preference, enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg