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Crispy Sausage and Cheese Balls

crispy sausage and cheese balls - featured image

These crispy sausage and cheese balls are an easy homemade snack perfect for parties, game days, or last-minute cravings. They feature a crispy outside with gooey cheese inside, combining savory sausage and sharp cheddar cheese for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground pork sausage (about 450g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 125g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50g, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add the ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and gently mix until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together, then pour over the sausage mixture and fold gently until just combined.
  5. If using, stir in the panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon (15g) of mixture and roll into tight balls. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, yielding about 30-35 balls.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the balls halfway through baking, until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Let the sausage and cheese balls rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the balls tender. If mixture spreads too much, chill for 15 minutes before shaping. Flip balls halfway through baking for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage balls, cheese balls, crispy snack, homemade snack, party food, game day snack, easy recipe