If you love cozy, comforting bites packed with rich, cheesy goodness and savory sausage flavor, you are in for a treat with the Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe. This Southern classic is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients to create irresistible little morsels that bake up golden and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime you want something deliciously satisfying. With every bite, you get a wonderful balance of cheddar cheese, seasoned sausage, and a tender, slightly fluffy texture thanks to the baking mix and milk. Truly, once you make these sausage balls, they’ll be on your go-to list for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe lies in its straightforward yet key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the dish’s mouthwatering flavor and perfect texture, making it easy to whip up even on busy days.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides the savory, juicy foundation with that classic Southern spice that makes these sausage balls stand out.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness that’s essential to the cheesy, irresistible bite of these balls.
- Baking mix: Works as the binder while creating a tender crumb; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Milk: Helps moisten the mixture just enough so everything combines perfectly without becoming too wet or dry.
How to Make Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that once your sausage balls are ready to bake, the oven is at the perfect temperature to give them that golden crust and fully cooked interior.
Step 2: Crumble the Sausage
Take your breakfast sausage and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. This step is key to ensuring the sausage cooks evenly inside each ball and allows the flavors to mingle beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Next, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese directly into the bowl with the sausage. The sharpness and creaminess of the cheese melt inside as the balls bake, creating pockets of cheesy bliss.
Step 4: Mix in the Baking Mix
Sift the baking mix into the bowl with the sausage and cheese. This will help incorporate air, giving your sausage balls a light yet firm texture that’s not too dense or crumbly.
Step 5: Pour in the Milk and Combine
Slowly add the milk to the mixture and use your hands or a spoon to combine everything evenly. The milk hydrates the baking mix and helps bind all the ingredients, making forming the balls much easier.
Step 6: Shape Into Balls
With clean hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about one inch in diameter. This size is perfect for snacking and ensures even cooking.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place each sausage ball onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This prevents them from sticking together and lets the heat circulate around each ball for a crispy outside.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and for the sausage to be cooked through, which means no pink should remain inside.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your sausage balls a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet. This rest helps them firm up slightly and makes them safer and easier to enjoy.
Step 10: Serve and Savor
Serve these warm, cheesy sausage balls straight away for the best experience. The aroma alone will have everyone reaching for seconds!
How to Serve Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich sausage balls. You can also serve with a side of spicy mustard or a creamy dipping sauce to complement the savory goodness.
Side Dishes
These sausage balls pair perfectly with brunch staples like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try them alongside creamy grits or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, thread the sausage balls on skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a colorful appetizer. Alternatively, serve them in mini muffin tins as a festive finger food at parties—easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days and retain their flavor nicely.
Freezing
You can freeze baked sausage balls by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months—perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and crispy on the outside—usually around 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works, though the texture will be less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner option, though it has less fat and flavor than traditional breakfast sausage, so consider adding extra seasoning for that savory kick.
What kind of baking mix should I use?
Any all-purpose baking mix works well here, such as Bisquick. It provides the right texture and helps bind the ingredients together without needing additional flour.
Can I make these sausage balls dairy-free?
It’s possible by swapping the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using a plant-based milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How long do sausage balls keep at room temperature?
It’s best to keep them at room temperature for no more than two hours to ensure food safety, especially when serving at parties or gatherings.
Can I add herbs or spices to the mixture?
Definitely! Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can personalize the flavor and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your sausage balls.
Final Thoughts
The Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a potluck, or a simple family snack, they never fail to impress. Easy to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand, this recipe is a keeper worth sharing with everyone you know. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to fill your home with irresistible aromas and happy smiles!
Print
Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls are a delicious, savory appetizer featuring a blend of spicy breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender baking mix. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or party snacks, delivering classic Southern flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the sausage balls evenly.
- Prepare Sausage: In a large mixing bowl, crumble the breakfast sausage into small pieces to help it mix uniformly with other ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the crumbled sausage, which adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the baking mix into the bowl to combine it evenly with the sausage and cheese, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Milk and Combine: Pour the milk into the mixture and stir it using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a moist dough.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, roughly 1-inch diameter, bite-sized balls for uniform cooking.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the sausage balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each ball for even heat circulation.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
- Cool: After baking, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to enhance flavor and prevent burns.
- Serve: Serve the sausage balls warm as a tasty appetizer or snack and enjoy their savory, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Using a baking mix ensures the sausage balls are tender and hold together well.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
- If you prefer spicier sausage balls, choose a hot breakfast sausage or add spices like cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick snack.
