Print

Crispy Sausage Cheese Balls

crispy sausage cheese balls - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy sausage cheese balls feature a perfect balance of a golden, crunchy exterior and a gooey, cheesy, sausage-packed center. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for appetizers, potlucks, or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground sausage (breakfast or Italian, mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (about 115 g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 125 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g), optional but recommended
  • Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil for frying, olive oil spray for baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Add all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Add the egg and stir until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until firm enough to shape.
  6. Form 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls using a spoon or small cookie scoop and place on a tray.
  7. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl and roll each ball to coat evenly.
  8. To bake: Arrange coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, lightly spray or brush with cooking oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  9. To fry: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
  10. Let the balls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for best texture. Lightly spray oil when baking for extra crispiness. Fry at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Cool balls before serving to avoid burns. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze unbaked balls on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage cheese balls, crispy appetizers, easy appetizers, party snacks, cheesy sausage balls, baked sausage balls, fried sausage balls

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/crispy-sausage-cheese-balls-recipe-5-easy-appetizers-to-impress/