Ina Garten Sausage Balls Recipe for Easy Party Snacks

Ina Garten sausage balls are a culinary explosion of flavor that transforms ordinary appetizers into legendary party treats.

These zesty bites dance with spicy ground pork and melted cheese, creating an irresistible blend of Southern comfort.

Sharp cheddar and buttery baking mix meld into perfect golden spheres that tantalize taste buds.

Guests will devour these morsels faster than you can plate them, craving every spicy, cheesy bite.

No complicated techniques required – just pure, delicious simplicity that speaks volumes about classic comfort food.

Each morsel packs a punch of flavor that turns casual gatherings into memorable feasts.

Get ready to become the ultimate party hero with these mouthwatering sausage balls that steal the show.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 15

All Items in Ina Garten Sausage Balls

• Sausage: Choose fresh, high-quality ground sausage with a good balance of fat for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Biscuit Mix: Select a reliable brand that ensures soft, tender texture and consistent baking performance.
• Scallions: Pick bright green, crisp scallions with firm white bottoms for a fresh, zesty kick.

• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar to provide a bold, tangy cheese flavor that complements the sausage.

• Parchment Paper: Use non-stick, high-quality parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Equipment for Rolling Sausage Balls

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Tablespoon: Perfect for scooping and measuring mixture portions.
• Baking sheets: Flat metal trays for even baking and golden-brown results.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick surface for easy removal and clean-up.
• Grater: Tool for shredding Cheddar cheese into fine, meltable pieces.
• Oven: Heating appliance for baking sausage balls to crispy perfection.

Cook Sausage Balls the Right Way

• Prep Your Cooking Zone

Warm up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, creating a clean canvas for your tasty morsels.

• Mix Magic Ingredients

Dive into a large mixing bowl and combine your primary ingredients. Knead everything together with your hands, blending until the mixture looks smooth and uniform. The key is to mix thoroughly so every bite will be packed with flavor.

• Cheese Transformation

Sprinkle in some grated Cheddar cheese, folding it gently through the mixture. Make sure the cheese gets distributed evenly, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness in every sausage ball.

• Shape and Arrange

Scoop out small portions using a tablespoon and roll them into bite-sized balls about the size of a walnut. Arrange these little treasures on your prepared baking sheets, giving them enough breathing room to cook evenly.

• Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and let them transform. Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden-brown color, which typically takes around 26 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out these irresistible treats and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature, perfect for munching during game nights, parties, or just because you’re craving something delightful.

How to Vary the Flavor of Sausage Balls

• Cook Like a Pro: Sausage Ball Secrets
• Boost Moisture Magic: Mix sausage with softened cream cheese or a splash of milk to create extra tender, juicy sausage balls that melt in your mouth.
• Spice Up Your Blend: Experiment with different sausage types like spicy Italian, breakfast, or chorizo to transform the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
• Cheese Upgrade Path: Swap traditional Cheddar with pepper jack, smoked gouda, or sharp white cheddar for a gourmet twist that elevates the entire recipe.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare the sausage ball mixture in advance and freeze uncooked balls for up to one month. Simply thaw and bake whenever unexpected guests arrive or hunger strikes.

Ways to Serve Sausage Balls for Guests

• Pair with Dipping Sauces: Elevate the sausage balls by serving them alongside zesty ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy marinara for an extra flavor kick.
• Create Party Platter: Arrange the sausage balls on a festive wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by fresh herbs or colorful vegetable sticks for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Breakfast Boost: Transform these sausage balls into a morning delight by serving them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast spread.
• Game Day Favorite: Prepare these bite-sized treats as a crowd-pleasing snack for sports gatherings, movie nights, or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Storing & Reheating Sausage Balls Easily

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain their delicious flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior and keeps the inside moist and flavorful.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Pack cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead option for unexpected guests or quick snacks.
• Quick Serving Tip: Remove frozen sausage balls directly from the freezer and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through. No thawing required, making them a perfect last-minute appetizer.

Mouthwatering Ina Garten Sausage Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s sausage balls combine savory sausage with sharp cheddar and buttery Bisquick for irresistible party appetizers. Guests will devour these cheesy, spicy bites that promise delightful flavor in each crispy, golden morsel.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork sausage, room temperature
• 8 oz (227 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)
• ½ cup scallions, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Mixing: Combine ground sausage, biscuit mix, scallions, and sharp Cheddar cheese in a large bowl, gently blending ingredients until uniformly integrated without excessive handling.
3. Forming: Using hands, craft compact walnut-sized spheres from the mixture, ensuring consistent size for even cooking and attractive presentation.
4. Positioning: Arrange sausage balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2-inch intervals to promote balanced heat distribution and golden-brown exterior.
5. Baking: Transfer sheets to preheated oven and bake for 24-26 minutes, midway rotating trays to guarantee comprehensive and uniform browning across all sausage balls.
6. Resting: After removing from oven, allow sausage balls to settle for 3-4 minutes, enabling structural stabilization and slight temperature reduction before serving warm or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality sharp Cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture that enhances the sausage’s richness.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the mixture delicately to prevent dense, tough sausage balls; light kneading ensures tender, light results.
• Consistent Size Crucial: Use a tablespoon for uniform portioning, guaranteeing even cooking and professional-looking appetizers every time.
• Room Temperature Tip: Allow sausage and cheese to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to improve ingredient integration and overall texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg