There’s something wonderfully irresistible about sausage balls, especially the ones from Pioneer Woman’s recipe!
This is a dish that combines the perfect blend of spices, cheese, and sausage into bite-sized delights.
I love how mixing in a bit of green onion adds a fresh kick to the flavor profile.
When forming the balls, keeping a consistent size ensures they cook evenly and deliver that impeccable texture you’re aiming for.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 pound Sausage (uncooked)
- 3 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 package Cream Cheese (8 oz.)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Green Onion (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine Bisquick, baking powder, and Creole seasoning with a whisk.
Set this mixture aside for future use.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, crumble the raw sausage.
Add in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onion.
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4:
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture from Step 2 into the sausage mix.
Make sure all ingredients are well-blended!
Step 5:
Using your hands, form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls.
Place them on the prepared baking sheets, allowing some space between each.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
You want them to be golden brown and crispy!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing Sausage:
Ensure you use a flavorful sausage that you enjoy, as it greatly contributes to the final taste.
A spicy sausage can add an extra kick if you like heat!
Cheese Matters:
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for maximum meltiness and flavor.
If you prefer, you can even try mixing cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
Handling the Mixture:
Chilling the mixture for a few minutes can make shaping the balls easier.
Clean hands work best for forming the balls quickly and uniformly.
Baking Harmony:
Turn the sausage balls halfway through baking.
This helps them brown more evenly and gives them a delightful crunch on all sides.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll stay delicious for a few days, ready for a quick snack or meal addition!
What to Serve with Sausage Balls
Classic Wedge Salad
A simple wedge salad will pair fantastically with your sausage balls.
I love combining crispy iceberg lettuce with juicy tomatoes and a tangy blue cheese dressing.
This dish is refreshing and helps counterbalance the richness of the sausage.
Crispy Garlic Bread
You might not expect garlic bread as a companion, but trust me, it’s a win!
The crunchy texture and buttery flavor just meld so well.
You can’t go wrong with a simple side that elevates your sausage balls to the next level!
Yellow Rice
Serving yellow rice adds an aromatic touch that complements sausage balls beautifully.
I often cook mine with a touch of turmeric to intensify the color and flavor.
Its delicate taste doesn’t overpower, making it a perfect accompaniment.
Sweet Potato Fries
Surprised? I love these fries because they bring a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
They also add a vibrant pop of color to your plate!
A sprinkle of sea salt enhances their natural sweetness and complements the sausage flavor.
Fruit Salad with Mint
For something fresh and different, go for a fruit salad with mint.
I enjoy how the cool, sweet fruits refresh your palate.
Adding a touch of mint brings an unexpected twist that pairs surprisingly well with the sausage balls!
Variations and Substitutions
Changing Up Cheeses
You can switch the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a slightly spicy kick! Your dairy and cheese choices are totally up to you and your taste preferences.
Sausage Choices
There’s no need to stick with just traditional pork! You can try turkey sausage for a leaner option. Beef sausage works well too!
Seasoning Alternatives
If you don’t have Creole seasoning, consider adding Italian seasoning to give it a different flavor.
Gluten-Free Options
Using a gluten-free flour blend can make these sausage balls friendly for your gluten-sensitive guests. It won’t compromise the texture much either, so no worries there.
Keeping It Creamy
Cream cheese is a great way to add moisture, but you could also experiment with ricotta or even mascarpone to shake things up.
Have fun exploring! There’s no limit to the twists you can try!
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls
Storing leftover Pioneer Woman sausage balls properly ensures they stay tasty and ready for your next craving!
Cool Completely
You need to cool your sausage balls completely before storing them.
Once cooled, they should be moved promptly to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Airtight Container
Place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container.
This prevents them from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
If you don’t have an airtight container, you can use a resealable plastic bag instead.
Freezing for Later
For longer storage, you can freeze the sausage balls.
Place them in a freezer-safe container, or a vacuum-sealed bag works wonders.
Don’t forget to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it! This keeps your sausage balls fresh for up to three months. Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly
Make sure you measure your flour carefully to avoid altering the texture of the sausage balls.
The same goes for your sausage, as using too much can make the mixture dry.
Using the correct measurements will help ensure the flavor and texture come out just right every time!
Not Incorporating Ingredients Thoroughly
Kneading the mixture evenly is key to delicious sausage balls.
Taking the time to thoroughly mix ensures that each bite is flavorful and cooked evenly.
Use your hands or a sturdy spoon, and enjoy getting a little messy in the kitchen!
Overbaking
Watch those baking times, as overbaking can make sausage balls dry.
Aim for golden brown, and always test one first before serving them to guests.
They can be reheated easily, so don’t worry if they seem underdone at first glance.
Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 pound Sausage uncooked
- 3 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 package Cream Cheese 8 oz.
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Green Onion chopped
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine Bisquick, baking powder, and Creole seasoning with a whisk.
- Set this mixture aside for future use.
- In a large bowl, crumble the raw sausage.
- Add in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onion.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture from Step 2 into the sausage mix.
- Make sure all ingredients are well-blended!
- Using your hands, form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets, allowing some space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- You want them to be golden brown and crispy!
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