Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of spicy pork sausage (or mild if preferred), 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups of biscuit baking mix (e.g., Bisquick), ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. If your mixture seems dry or you prefer moister sausage balls, add ¼ cup of milk. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, using your hands to ensure thorough integration. Tips: Mixing by hand ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, this could result in tough sausage balls. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart as they will expand slightly while cooking. Tip: Use a small cookie scoop to form even balls. Also, even spacing helps the sausage balls cook uniformly. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sausage should be sizzling and the cheese melted and lightly browned.Tip: Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can air fry the sausage balls at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Tip: Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain their crispiness.
More Appetizer Recipes
Deep Fried Cauliflower Popcorn Shrimp Antojitos Hush Puppies Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
