Description
Ina Garten’s sausage balls combine zesty Italian sausage with sharp cheddar and herbs for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Guests will devour these savory bites that blend rich flavors and simple ingredients for an irresistible party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 pound (454 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, at room temperature
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) biscuit baking mix (any preferred brand)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cooking and easy cleanup.
- Mixture Creation: In a large bowl, combine ground pork sausage and biscuit baking mix, kneading with hands until the ingredients form a cohesive and uniform texture.
- Cheese Integration: Incorporate freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into the sausage blend, ensuring thorough and even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Shaping and Positioning: Mold the mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres roughly 1-inch in diameter, then carefully arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing to promote consistent heat circulation.
- Roasting Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve balanced browning and optimal doneness.
- Temperature Verification: Confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee complete cooking and ensure food safety.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the sausage balls to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then serve warm with complementary dipping sauces or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Notes
- Meat Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe consumption and preventing foodborne illness.
- Cheese Selection Tip: Opt for freshly shredded sharp Cheddar instead of pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly and provides superior flavor integration.
- Uniform Size Matters: Roll sausage balls consistently to 1-inch diameter to ensure even cooking and balanced texture across all pieces.
- Resting Period Importance: Allow sausage balls to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps stabilize their structure and enhances overall taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg