Why are my sausage balls dry and crumbly?

The most common culprit is using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that absorb moisture. Always use freshly grated cheese! If your mixture is still too dry, add ¼ cup of milk to the batter for a more cohesive texture.

Can I make these without Bisquick?

Absolutely! Substitute 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt instead of the 2 cups of Bisquick. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What's the best type of sausage to use?

Regular breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean) works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with hot, sage, or Italian varieties depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure it's not low-fat - you need those juices!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! These are perfect make-ahead appetizers. You can either prepare and refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours before baking, or fully cook them, refrigerate, and then warm them before serving. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Sausage Balls Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Description

These scrumptious sausage balls are a savory bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with soft and flavorful sausage, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix, they are baked to golden perfection. Paired with a zesty and sweet apricot chili dipping sauce, these sausage balls are a hit appetizer for parties, potlucks, or game days!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sausage Balls

1 pound sausage, room temperature (Jimmy Dean works well)
10 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce or hot pepper jelly, room temperature

For the Apricot Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients for Sausage Balls
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sausage and cheese. Mix well until evenly combined. Add the Bisquick baking mix and sweet chili sauce, then mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth. The dough will have a slightly dry consistency.
Form the Sausage Balls
Roll or press the sausage mixture into 1½-inch balls by hand. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Sausage Balls
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined platter to cool slightly and drain excess grease.
Make the Dipping Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the apricot jam, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice. Mix together until well-blended, then press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve using a rubber spatula to achieve a smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Notes

This recipe yields approximately 30 sausage balls and ⅔ cup of apricot sweet chili dipping sauce.
For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese can be too dry.
If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, make your own by mixing 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
If the sausage dough feels too dry to roll, add ¼ cup of milk to moisten it.
Serve the sausage balls warm and keep them warm using a crockpot on the “warm” setting, especially for parties or events.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg