Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe

I’ve been crafting these Paula Deen Sausage Balls for every festive occasion, and they’re the perfect bite-sized treat that everyone eagerly awaits.

Ensuring the sausage and cheese are well mixed is crucial for that uniform savory flavor in each ball.

I take pleasure in watching them turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven, signaling they’re ready to be devoured.

My tip:

Bake them on parchment paper for easy removal and to keep them from sticking.

How to Make Paula Deen Sausage Balls

Ingredients List

To make Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb bulk, room temperature spicy Italian pork sausage
• 2 cups grated, room temperature sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Vidalia onion
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 cups baking mix
• To taste kosher salt
• To taste black pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray to ensure your sausage balls don’t stick while cooking.

Step 2

Mix dry ingredients: In a large glass bowl, combine the baking mix, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Combine wet ingredients with pork sausage: Add the room temperature pork sausage, grated cheddar cheese, grated Vidalia onion, and whole milk to the dry mix.

Using your hands or a paddle attachment on a mixer, mix all the ingredients together until they are fully combined.

The mixture will be a bit crumbly but don’t worry, this is normal.

Step 4

Form the sausage balls: Take small amounts of the mixture and squeeze it together to form 1-inch balls.

Roll the mix between the palms of your hands to create even and smooth balls.

Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

Step 5

Bake: Place the baking sheet with sausage balls in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6

Optional dipping sauce: While the sausage balls are baking, you can prepare an optional dipping sauce.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and honey.

This sauce pairs nicely with the flavors of the sausage balls and adds an extra touch to the original recipe.

Step 7

Serve: Once the sausage balls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Paula Deen Sausage Balls with the optional dipping sauce or on their own.

Side Dishes for Paula Deen Sausage Balls

Paula Deen’s sausage balls are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed at various events, such as dinner parties, holiday parties, and game days.

To complement these tasty bites, consider serving them alongside some of these scrumptious side dishes:

Salad

A fresh, crisp salad adds a light and healthy touch to your meal.

It balances out the richness of the sausage balls and provides a variety of textures.

Choose a mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing to create a delightful side that everyone will enjoy.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes make for a satisfying and comforting side dish.

They’ll complement the hearty flavors of the sausage balls and can be loaded with various toppings, such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives.

This makes it easy to cater to different tastes and preferences among your guests.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with Paula Deen’s sausage balls.

Choose an assortment of colorful veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.

Lightly season and grill them to perfection to bring out their natural flavors and add an appetizing touch to your spread.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Paula Deen’s sausage balls recipe, you might find yourself needing to substitute some of the ingredients.

Here’s a list of potential substitutes for key ingredients in the recipe:

Sharp Cheddar

If you don’t have sharp cheddar, try using a medium or mild cheddar instead.

Another option is to use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, both of which have a similar creamy texture and will provide a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.

How to Store Paula Deen Sausage Balls

Storing Paula Deen Sausage Balls properly ensures that they maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Here are some tips on how to store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Uncooked Sausage Balls

If you have prepared a batch of uncooked sausage balls, it is best to store them in an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag.

Arrange the balls in a single layer, separating them with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Place the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cooked Sausage Balls

After you have cooked the sausage balls, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag.

It is important to store them in a single layer so they retain their shape.

You can keep the cooked sausage balls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy your Paula Deen Sausage Balls after storage, here is how to reheat them:

• From Refrigeration: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and heat the sausage balls for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• From Freezer: Thaw the sausage balls in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions mentioned above.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy Paula Deen Sausage Balls anytime, and they will still taste as delicious as freshly made.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Pre-Grated Packaged Cheese

While it may be more convenient, using pre-grated packaged cheese is not recommended for Paula Deen’s sausage balls recipe.

These cheeses often contain additives that can negatively affect the texture and taste of the sausage balls.

Instead, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese for the best results.

Over-Mixing the Ingredients

When combining the ingredients, be mindful not to over-mix the batter.

Over-mixing can result in tough, dry sausage balls.

Gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined and the mixture is still crumbly.

Using your hands can help avoid overworking the batter.

Not Baking Long Enough

Paula Deen’s sausage balls recipe typically requires 15-20 minutes of baking time at 375 °F.

Undercooking the sausage balls can lead to them being doughy and uncooked on the inside. Be sure to bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through.

An additional few minutes of baking time may be necessary, depending on your oven.

Making the Sausage Balls Too Large

Creating sausage balls that are too large can lead to uneven cooking and an unpleasant texture.

Aim for a consistent size, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

This will help ensure even cooking and make the sausage balls easier to handle and serve.