You know that moment when guests are about to arrive and you need something hot, savory, and satisfying on the table? That is exactly when this recipe saves the day. We are talking about classic Sausage Balls. They are a staple at holiday parties, game days, and casual get togethers for a very good reason. They pack a massive amount of flavor into a tiny, bite sized package that is impossible to resist.
Most of us grew up seeing some version of this dish on the buffet table. It is comfort food at its finest. However, this version brings a little something extra to the party. We are swapping out the traditional heavy pork sausage for chicken sausage. This simple switch lightens things up without sacrificing that savory punch we all crave. Plus, we are adding a can of Rotel tomatoes for a zesty kick that cuts right through the richness of the cream cheese.
If you have been searching for Appetizers Easy Finger Food that you can whip up without a culinary degree, you have found the winner. This recipe is all about dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing them up, and letting the oven do the work. It is fast, it is messy in a fun way, and the results are always golden brown perfection. Let us get cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a million reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation. First and foremost, it is incredibly fast. We are talking about minimal prep time. You do not need to chop vegetables or sear meat beforehand. Everything goes into one bowl. For busy parents or anyone hosting a last minute gathering, these Easy Sausage Balls are a total lifesaver.
Another reason to love this recipe is the texture. The baking mix creates a soft, biscuit like interior that stays moist thanks to the cream cheese. Meanwhile, the cheese melts and creates these crispy little edges that are absolutely addictive. Using chicken sausage changes the game slightly by making the texture a bit lighter than the dense pork version you might be used to. It feels less greasy but still totally satisfying.
Finally, this recipe is the definition of versatile. You can serve these for breakfast alongside eggs, or you can put them out as Sausage Appetizers for a football watch party. They travel well, too. If you need to bring a dish to a potluck, you can bake these ahead of time and transport them easily. They taste great warm or at room temperature, which takes the stress out of serving.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of items to make these Sausage Balls. This short shopping list is what makes them such a budget friendly option for feeding a crowd.
- 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound chicken sausage
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Let me give you a quick rundown on why we chose these specific ingredients. The cream cheese is the secret weapon here. It binds everything together and ensures the final product is not dry. Make sure it is truly softened before you start, or it will be a pain to mix.
For the chicken sausage, you want the raw kind that comes in a bulk tube or casings you can remove. Do not use pre cooked links for this. The raw meat needs to mix with the Bisquick to form the structure of the ball. The Rotel adds moisture and a nice little heat, but draining it is crucial so the dough does not get too wet.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these Sausage Balls is a breeze. It is a great recipe to get the kids involved with too, especially the rolling part. Just make sure everyone washes their hands first.
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. You want the oven nice and hot so the cheese gets crispy and the sausage cooks through quickly. While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a huge tip for easy cleanup later. Melted cheese can be tough to scrub off, so the paper saves you a lot of time at the sink.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl. Place the chicken sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and Bisquick into the bowl. Now, you can try to do this with a spoon, but trust me, an electric mixer is the way to go. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat the mixture on low to medium speed until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, which is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Roll The Balls
Once your mixture is uniform, it is time to shape it. Scoop up small portions of the dough and roll them into 1 inch balls using your hands. If you want them all to be the exact same size, you can use a small cookie scoop to portion them out before rolling. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet. You can space them pretty close together since they do not spread much, but give them a little room to breathe so the hot air can circulate.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You are looking for a golden brown color on top. Since we are using chicken sausage, you want to make sure they are cooked through completely. Break one open to check if you are unsure; it should be steaming hot and firm in the center. Once they are done, let them cool on the pan for just a minute or two before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about Easy Sausage Balls is that they store beautifully. If you manage to have any leftovers, you are in luck for snacks later in the week.
To store them in the fridge, let the balls cool down completely to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them, you can pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm them up in a toaster oven to get that crispiness back.
These are also fantastic for freezing. If you want to meal prep, bake a double batch. Let them cool, then place them in a freezer safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from frozen in the oven at 350 degrees F until they are heated through. It makes for an instant breakfast or appetizer whenever you need it.
Tips
Here are a few tricks to ensure your Sausage Balls turn out perfect every single time.
First, drain those tomatoes well. The Rotel adds amazing flavor, but liquid is the enemy of a fluffy sausage ball. If the dough is too wet, they will spread out flat on the pan instead of staying round. I like to press the tomatoes into a sieve with the back of a spoon to get all the excess juice out.
Second, grate your own cheese if you have the time. I know, bags of shredded cheese are convenient. However, pre shredded cheese is coated in potato starch to keep it from clumping. This can sometimes make the melting texture a little grainy. Grating a block of cheese fresh helps everything bind together much smoother.
Third, do not overwork the dough. Mix until just combined. If you mix it for too long, the Bisquick can develop gluten and make the balls tough and rubbery. You want them tender and bite sized. Stop mixing as soon as you see the dry mix disappear.
Finally, if you find the mixture is too sticky to roll, wet your hands slightly with cold water. This prevents the dough from sticking to your palms and makes the rolling process much faster. Alternatively, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling to firm it up.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and reliable recipe for Sausage Balls that uses chicken sausage for a lighter twist. Whether you are hosting a big holiday bash or just want a savory snack for movie night, these little bites deliver big flavor. They are the ultimate Appetizers Easy Finger Food because they require zero utensils and everyone loves them.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this base recipe. You can try different cheese blends or add extra spices if you like things hot. The beauty of Easy Sausage Balls is how adaptable they are to your taste. So grab that baking mix and get started. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing, and your family is going to thank you.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, absolutely. You can swap the regular Bisquick for a gluten free baking mix. The ratio is usually one to one, but check the box to be sure. Just ensure your sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten free as well.
Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken?
Of course. If you prefer the traditional taste, regular pork breakfast sausage works perfectly in this recipe. It will be slightly richer and produce a bit more grease, but it is delicious. You can also use spicy pork sausage for extra heat.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
These Sausage Appetizers are great on their own, but dipping is fun. Ranch dressing is a classic choice. Honey mustard adds a nice tang that cuts the richness. BBQ sauce is also a crowd favorite. For a breakfast vibe, some people even dip them in maple syrup.
Why are my sausage balls dry?
Dryness usually happens if there is too much baking mix relative to the meat and cheese. It can also happen if you bake them too long. Since chicken sausage is leaner than pork, be careful not to overbake. Check them at the 15 minute mark.
Easy Chicken Sausage Balls
These quick and tasty Sausage Balls use chicken sausage for a lighter twist on the classic party appetizer. With cream cheese and a zesty kick from Rotel, they’re a no-fuss, family-friendly favorite perfect for game day.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the chicken sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and Bisquick.
- Use an electric mixer on low to medium speed to beat the mixture until everything is just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain the Rotel tomatoes very well to prevent the sausage balls from spreading out while baking.
For the best texture, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can have a grainy melt due to anti-caking agents.
Don’t overmix the dough! Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear to keep the balls tender and not tough.
If the dough is too sticky to roll, slightly wet your hands with cold water or chill the dough for 20 minutes.
Nutrition
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