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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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