Welcome to the only Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe you’ll ever need. If you’re searching for that perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears from the plate in minutes, you’ve found it. These savory, cheesy bites are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to game day parties.
We’re taking the classic sausage ball and elevating it with the savory punch of garlic and the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese. Forget dry, crumbly sausage balls; this recipe guarantees a moist, tender result every single time. Let’s dive in and make the best appetizer of the season.
Why This Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another appetizer recipe; it’s a guaranteed hit. The combination of savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar, and a subtle hum of garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile. They are wonderfully simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort for a massive payoff in taste.
Their versatility is unmatched. Serve them warm for a holiday breakfast, as a satisfying party snack, or even alongside a main course. For a truly comforting meal, you could even pair them with something like this creamy crockpot mac and cheese.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use just a few high-quality ingredients to create something truly special.
- Pork Sausage: Use a good quality, full-fat breakfast sausage. The fat content is crucial for keeping the balls moist and flavorful.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor and melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starches that can make the balls dry.
- All-Purpose Baking Mix: A classic like Bisquick provides the structure and a bit of leavening, making the sausage balls light and tender.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon! Softened cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sausage and cheddar. It’s a key ingredient, just like in our popular cream cheese sausage balls recipe.
- Garlic Powder: Provides that wonderful, aromatic garlic flavor that permeates every bite without the harshness of fresh garlic.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice that balances the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sausage Balls
Making this Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pork sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the sausage balls tough.
- Portion the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Using a small cookie scoop can help ensure they are all a uniform size, which helps them cook evenly. Place the balls about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Serve Warm: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Balls Every Time
A few simple tricks can take your sausage balls from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the sausage and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before mixing. This makes combining the ingredients much easier.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated. Overworking the meat can result in tough, dense sausage balls.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: This is a game-changer. Block cheese is creamier and melts better, providing superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it!
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hot variety of pork sausage for a spicy kick.
- Switch up the Cheese: Try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add Some Herbs: Finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the mix.
These sausage balls are a great starting point for a bigger meal. They would be a fantastic appetizer before serving our easy spatchcock turkey at your next holiday dinner.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
This is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the sausage balls in a few different ways to save time.
To Make Ahead (Unbaked):
Prepare and roll the sausage balls as directed. Place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
To Freeze (Unbaked):
Place the rolled, unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
To Freeze (Baked):
Let the baked sausage balls cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
What to Serve with Your Sausage Cheddar Balls
These savory bites are delicious on their own, but a good dipping sauce takes them to the next level. Try serving them with a simple honey mustard, a spicy ranch dip, or even a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. They are the perfect start to any meal, from a casual get-together to a full dinner featuring our Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions (Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe)
Absolutely! You can assemble and roll the sausage balls, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked balls for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen.
Store leftover baked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
The secret to moist sausage balls is twofold: use full-fat sausage and add a binder like softened cream cheese. Also, be sure to shred your own cheddar cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can absorb moisture.
If your sausage balls are overly greasy, it might be due to an excessively high-fat sausage. While fat is crucial for moisture, a good quality breakfast sausage should have the right balance. You can also place the baked sausage balls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease before serving.
A high-quality, full-fat ground pork sausage (often labeled as ‘breakfast sausage’) is the best choice. The fat content is essential for ensuring the sausage balls stay moist and flavorful during baking.
Share Your Creations!
We are confident this is the best Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe you will ever make! If you’ve tried it and loved it, we’d be thrilled if you left a comment and a rating below. Your feedback helps us and other readers! Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us on Pinterest!
Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe
Garlic Sausage Cheddar Balls Recipe: The Ultimate Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pork sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, baking mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Using your hands or a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overwork the mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm.
Notes
Shredding your own cheese from a block provides better flavor and moisture than pre-shredded cheese.
