I recently baked Original Sausage Balls and was amazed by their bold flavor punch. The mix of savory pork sausage and sharp cheddar creates a surprising burst of indulgence in every bite. This clever twist on a timeless favorite has sparked my curiosity and excitement to share its delicious secret.

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I recently stumbled across an Old Appetizer recipe that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about snack time. I knew I had to try it out when I saw the unique mix of ingredients like 1 pound of ground pork sausage, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups of self rising flour, and a dash of 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

The funky combination of these elements makes the Original Sausage Balls unlike any other snack I’ve ever made before. I remember thinking, “This is it, this is the real deal,” when I first mixed Lil Sausage with the other ingredients.

It reminds me of those Hot Sausage Balls that my grandma used to whip up, but with a modern twist that makes it fun for any gathering. Trust me, once you bite into these Old Fashioned Sausage Balls, you’ll be hooked on this amazing, slightly messy delight.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make, which means I don’t have to stress too much in the kitchen. First off, the handful of ingredients work together perfectly, giving me that great mix of spicy sausage and melty cheddar that I just can’t resist.

I also really dig how versatile these are—whether I need a quick snack or an appetizer for a get together, these sausage balls always hit the spot. And honestly, the way the aroma fills my kitchen as they bake totally makes my day.

Lastly, even though the process can get a bit messy with sticky hands and all, that’s part of the fun and it makes me feel like im actually cooking something real and homemade.

Ingredients

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Ground Pork Sausage is a good protein source with natural fats that boost savory flavor.
It adds hearty texture and rich taste making the dish satisfyingly meaty every bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese offers tangy flavor and creaminess with extra calcium and vibrant color.
It brings a slight saltiness that enhances the overall taste without overpowering flavors.
Self Rising Flour provides carbohydrates and structure, making the balls soft and perfectly rising.
It keeps the mix light so every bite is airy with a gentle crunch.
Fresh Black Pepper gives a mild kick and aromatic spice that lifts the dish subtly.

Ingredient Quantities

1 pound ground pork sausage (casings removed)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups self rising flour

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, put in the ground pork sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, self rising flour, and the freshly ground black pepper.

3. Mix everything together really well with a spoon until kinda even. It might look a little messy but thats okay.

4. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball roughly the size of a walnut. Your hands might get sticky so don’t worry about it.

5. Place each ball on the baking sheet, giving them a bit of space so they can bake evenly.

6. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are lightly browned all over.

7. Check one in the center to make sure there’s no pink left and that its heated through.

8. When done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if you like.

10. Enjoy these delicious little bites as a tasty snack or appetizer!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or parchment paper lined tray
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Spoon for mixing
5. Tablespoon or scoop for portioning the mixture
6. Your hands for rolling the sausage balls

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Sure you can use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer, but the flavor and texture might change a bit, so keep that in mind.

Do I need to add extra seasoning besides black pepper?

Not really, the pork sausage already brings plenty of salt and flavor, so extra seasoning isnt usually necessary unless you like it spicier.

How do I form the sausage balls?

Just mix the sausage, cheddar, flour, and black pepper well and then roll the mix into bite size balls using your hands.

Can these sausage balls be frozen?

Yes they can be frozen before baking. Be sure to let them thaw completely in the fridge before baking them to get an even cook.

What is the recommended baking time and temperature?

Baking at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes works well. They should be golden on the outside when done.

Original Sausage Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have ground pork sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead. They cook just as well in this recipe.
Out of sharp cheddar cheese? You can swap it with a mix of Monterey Jack or Colby cheese which gives a milder but still rich flavor.
If self rising flour isn’t available, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Don’t have freshly ground black pepper? Regular preground black pepper works fine in a pinch.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin the sausage mix in the fridge for like 20-30 minutes before rollin it into balls. It makes stickin to your hands less of a problem and helps keep the balls from fallin apart while baking.

2. If you got a cookie scoop or something similar, use it to keep all the sausage balls the same size. It helps ’cause if some are bigger than others, some might be overcooked while others end up raw.

3. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Mixing just until everything’s combined keeps the balls tender, instead of turnin them into a dense, rubbery mess.

4. Once they come out of the oven, let the balls sit on the tray for a few minutes. This gives them time to firm up a bit, so you dont risk burning your mouth on hot cheese.

Original Sausage Balls Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

363

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or parchment paper lined tray
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Spoon for mixing
5. Tablespoon or scoop for portioning the mixture
6. Your hands for rolling the sausage balls

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork sausage (casings removed)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups self rising flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, put in the ground pork sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, self rising flour, and the freshly ground black pepper.
Mix everything together really well with a spoon until kinda even. It might look a little messy but thats okay.
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into a ball roughly the size of a walnut. Your hands might get sticky so don't worry about it.
Place each ball on the baking sheet, giving them a bit of space so they can bake evenly.
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are lightly browned all over.
Check one in the center to make sure there's no pink left and that its heated through.
When done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce if you like.
Enjoy these delicious little bites as a tasty snack or appetizer!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.