Looking for a mouthwatering appetizer that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours? Say hello to Easy Italian Sausage Balls! Bursting with savory flavors and cheesy goodness, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion—from game day gatherings to cozy family dinners. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and achieve a nice golden brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of almond flour, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well blended, use your hands to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 sausage balls from this mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place the sausage balls on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced a couple of inches apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the sausage balls are on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.
- After baking, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will help them firm up a bit before serving.
- Serve the sausage balls warm as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage and fresh cheese. This will enhance the overall taste of your sausage balls.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough sausage balls.
- Uniform Size: Aim for consistent ball sizes (about 1 inch in diameter) to ensure even cooking. This way, you won’t have some that are overcooked while others are underdone.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve your sausage balls with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. This adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties!
- Perfect Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture or in the microwave for quick snacking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
