Can I make the sausage ball mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking to make handling easier.

Why are my sausage balls dry?

Dry sausage balls usually come from using too much pancake mix or overcooking. Make sure you're measuring ingredients correctly and watch your oven timing carefully. Using a fattier sausage can also help ensure moist, tender results.

Can I use regular flour instead of pancake mix?

While you technically can substitute flour, you'll miss out on the leavening agents and touch of sweetness that pancake mix provides. If you must substitute, use self-rising flour with a teaspoon of sugar added for more similar results.

How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

Sausage balls should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open – the meat should be fully cooked with no pink remaining.

Sausage Balls Recipe

Description

These Sausage Balls are a perfect blend of savory flavors, combining sweet ground sausage, pepper jack cheese, and finely diced onions. They’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and are excellent for game days, holiday gatherings, or as a quick appetizer. Crispy on the outside yet moist and cheesy on the inside, they’re sure to delight everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb sweet ground sausage
1 1/2 cups buttermilk pancake mix
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1 tsp salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare the Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sweet ground sausage, buttermilk pancake mix, finely diced yellow onion, shredded pepper jack cheese, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything until the mixture feels uniform and sticky. This ensures the ingredients combine properly.
Form Sausage Balls
Using a 1 oz. cookie scoop (or your hands if you don’t have a scoop), portion out the mixture into evenly sized balls. Place each ball on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to give a little space between each ball for even cooking.
Bake the Sausage Balls
Place the sausage balls in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through. They should be crispy on the outside yet tender and moist on the inside.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your sausage balls warm with honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little salt on top right after baking. These make an excellent appetizer for any gathering!

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese for a better texture and flavor.
If you prefer a less spicy version, swap out pepper jack cheese for cheddar or mozzarella.
These sausage balls can be made ahead! Assemble them, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake them fresh when needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 150kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg