My mom was not much of a cook. What she prepared was always delicious, but she didn't necessarily enjoy the culinary arts. So when it came to holiday feasts, she was content to let me prepare the main meal. However, she would always volunteer to bring sausage balls for Thanksgiving breakfast.
Mom would make a double batch and freeze them in a two-gallon plastic bag. This batch would last us through the winter season. As a special morning treat, I would take a few out of the freezer, place on a paper plate, and microwave about 90-seconds. Perhaps not the most nutritious way to start the day, but it did provide a protein alternative to Pop-Tarts.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (we prefer Jimmy Dean)
- 8 ounces grated cheese (we prefer sharp cheddar)
- 2 cups Bisquick
Directions:
- Bring sausage and cheese to room temperature (this allows for easier mixing)
- In a large mixing bowl, place half the sausage on the bottom. Add the Bisquick and cheese and then the remaining sausage on the top. (I find the Bisquick incorporates better this way)
- On low speed, mix until completely blended.
- For easy clean-up ... line a jelly roll pan with foil and then spray with Pam.
- Pinch off about a tablespoon of sausage mixture, roll into a ball, and place on prepared pan about one inch apart.
- Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm - or allow to cool before placing in freezer bags for longer-term storage.
Alternatives:
- For a lower-fat version, I make a double batch using one package regular sausage and cheddar cheese and one package reduced-fat sausage and cheddar cheese. (If I use all reduced-fat the sausage balls tend to be dry and the cheese does not melt well)
- For a spicier sausage ball, I have mixed a package of regular sausage with a package of hot. Or I have added a bit of cayenne pepper to the Bisquick before mixing.
- I haven't tried this (yet) but I think replacing the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack would give the balls a unique flavor.
This post is part of BethFishReads Weekend Cooking LinkUp. For more delicious recipes, please visit her weekly blog feature.
Oh these sound really good. And I like that idea of freezing them for a quick snack or breakfast. I may have to add this to my holiday menu plan.
ReplyDeleteThey are EASY to prepare and I do enjoy having them on hand for a quick bite :)
DeleteThat does sound like a very fast recipe!
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It is super fast - and clean up is a breeze. WIN-WIN :)
DeleteYep, my mom used to make something like this. I haven't had a sausage ball in ages.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it is a southern thing (?) You should make them this holiday season - for nostalgia's sake :)
DeleteIt looks so easy and I'll bet everyone loved it!
ReplyDeleteIt is the most often requested recipe by family members :)
DeleteI am off now to check what bisquick is - we used to have a drink powder called Nesquick - different I'm sure. Have a great week. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
ReplyDeleteOh... I didn't realize Bisquick was not a national product. It is basically flour and leavening agent. It can be used for a variety of recipes, most notably pancakes, waffles and biscuits. I hope you can find something similar in your neck of the woods :)
DeleteThese sound delicious. I'm visiting from Weekend Cooking.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Linda :)
DeleteSausage balls are a nice tradition. I wonder what could be used instead of Bisquick...would that be flour and baking soda or powder, maybe? I've never made (or eaten!) sausage balls but they sound like they'd be delicious.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT question! I did a little research and discovered one cup of Bisquick equates to: 1 cup of flour + 1.5 teaspoons baking powder + 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1 tablespoon shortening :)
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