Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Bisquick mix, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into balls.
Shape the Sausage Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the Sausage Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
Cool and Serve: Once the sausage cheesy balls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, use hot sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the sausage cheesy balls with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover sausage cheesy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the sausage balls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some of their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage cheesy balls are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Appetizer Platter: Serve the sausage balls on an appetizer platter alongside other finger foods like cheese cubes, crackers, and vegetable sticks.
- Breakfast Spread: Include the sausage balls as part of a breakfast or brunch spread with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and pastries.
- Party Snack: Serve the sausage cheesy balls at your next party or gathering with a selection of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
