Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman sausage balls pack a flavorful punch with cheesy, spicy goodness. Savory bites perfect for game day or holiday gatherings will have guests reaching for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or hot, as preferred)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (white and green parts)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
Wet Ingredients and Condiments:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl, crumble the sausage and blend with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the meat blend, using hands or a stand mixer with paddle attachment to create a uniform consistency.
- Using a tablespoon measure, carefully form the mixture into compact, round balls. Arrange the sausage spheres on prepared baking sheets, ensuring approximately 1 inch of spacing between each piece to allow even cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Monitor the sausage balls, removing them when they achieve a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked through.
- While the sausage balls roast, craft the complementary honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, whole-grain mustard, and vinegar. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.
- Once the sausage balls are complete, transfer to a serving platter. Accompany with the freshly prepared honey mustard dipping sauce, allowing guests to enjoy the warm, savory appetizer with a tangy condiment.
Notes
- Cooling helps these tasty bites set perfectly and become easier to handle without falling apart during serving or dipping.
- Consistent sizing ensures uniform cooking, so grab a tablespoon or small scoop to create equally shaped sausage balls that bake evenly.
- Gentle mixing prevents dense, tough results – combine ingredients just until they come together without overworking the mixture.
- Cheese and cream cheese work best when softened at room temperature, allowing smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Select a sausage you genuinely enjoy, whether mild, spicy, or somewhere in between, as it’s the primary flavor driver for these delightful appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 621 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg