Chicken sausage balls make for a fun and nourishing snack that’s sure to satisfy. With just a few main ingredients like ground chicken sausage, biscuit mix, and seasonings, home cooks can toss these tasty bites together in no time. All it takes is shaping the mixture into balls and baking until cooked through. Best of all, this simple recipe leaves room for creativity. Feel free to play with different mix-ins or spices to suit your tastes. The instructions and ideas within will teach readers everything they need to start making their own versions of this crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or casual get-togethers.
Key Takeaway
- Easy to whip up and can be stored in the freezer for simple meal preps later on.
- Nutritious snacks high in protein but light on carbs to satisfy both body and taste.
- Versatile – different herbs and spices make each batch unique so folks are sure to find flavors they enjoy.
https://youtu.be/h7H2tFJbw8Q?si=1QcBb8FzyQvp51KWCredits: Highfalutin’ Low Carb
Easy Protein-Packed Snacks: Chicken Sausage Balls
Chicken sausage balls are a fun snack that combines ground chicken sausage, cheese and breadcrumbs or pancake mix. Bite-sized balls make them perfect for parties or get-togethers. People enjoy these tasty treats because they are flavorful and simple to make.The basic ingredients usually include ground chicken sausage, shredded cheese, and something to bind it all together like pancake mix or breadcrumbs. You have options to make them your way too – like adding spicy buffalo sauce for a kick.These snacks are more than just yummy. They pack a protein punch in every bite. You can even make them gluten-free by choosing ingredients without wheat. That means everyone can join in on the fun. Chicken sausage balls are a great addition to your menu whether you’re having friends over for games or a family dinner. Kids and adults alike will love these easy snacks that taste great hot or at room temperature (1).
What You’ll Need: Chicken Sausage Ball Ingredients
Making these tasty chicken sausage balls is easy when you have the right things on hand:
- Ground chicken sausage: This is the protein base. About 1 pound does the trick.
- Shredded cheese: Adds tasty flavor. A cup of cheddar or Mexican blend works well.
- Binder: Use 1 cup of pancake mix or breadcrumbs to hold it all together.
- Seasonings: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to make it flavorful.
- Hot sauce (optional): Stir in 1/4 cup for a kick, if you like things spicy.
Simple Steps to Make Them:
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Get it preheating so it’s ready when you are.
- In a big bowl, combine the chicken sausage, cheese, binder, seasonings, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well with a spoon or stand mixer until blended.
- Scoop out small dough balls, about 1 inch each, and place on a greased baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temp should be 165°F.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dips. Ranch and marinara sauce are always a hit.
Enjoy these tasty chicken sausage balls at your next get-together. The mix of ingredients packs protein and flavor into each bite. They also freeze well for easy snacking later (2).
Protein-Packed Nutrition Facts
Each chicken sausage ball offers some great nutrients. On average, one ball supplies about 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fat. This makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to boost their protein without lots of extra carbs.A whole batch of these tasty snacks packs even more goodness. For a typical recipe that makes around 30 balls, the total nutrition comes out to 1,800 calories with a hefty 164 grams of protein for the entire serving. So these bites deliver both great flavor and nutritional value.Their ingredients are also customizable. Using gluten-free breadcrumbs or pancake mix means even people with gluten sensitivities can enjoy them. Their flexibility allows these snacks to fit into many different meal plans while still being fun for everyone.Overall, chicken sausage balls are a nutritious option for snacks or appetizers. The protein and nutrient combo makes them very satisfying. Their versatility in ingredients accommodates dietary needs too, so feel free to get creative! (3)
Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage Balls
When baking these tasty snacks, there are a few tricks that help make them extra tasty and easy to prepare.
- Check the internal temp: Always use a food thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F. This makes sure they’re fully cooked.
- Size does matter: Smaller balls will bake faster than larger ones, so keep an eye on them. Bigger balls may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment cuts down on sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Try different cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but swapping in cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack puts your own fun spin on them.
- Play with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with spices – things like garlic powder, onion powder or red pepper flakes can pump up the flavor even more.
Following these tips ensures your chicken sausage balls come out perfect every time. Have fun customizing them to taste – that’s half the fun in the kitchen!
Put Your Own Spin on It: Chicken Sausage Ball Variations
Because chicken sausage balls are so customizable, there are endless ways to tweak the basic recipe. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Buffalo balls: Give your tastebuds a kick by mixing in some spicy buffalo sauce. These are perfect for spice lovers.
- Gooey mozzarella: Stuff a mini mozzarella cube in the center of each ball before baking. You get a melty, cheesy surprise inside!
- BBQ chicken joy: Stir some sweet barbecue sauce into the dough for a tangy twist. The sweet and savory combo is delicious.
- Creamy cream cheese balls: Blend in some cream cheese for extra richness. It gives the texture a luxurious quality.
- Vegetable mix-ins: Finely chop veggies like peppers and onions for a sneaky nutrition boost. Bell peppers add a nice pop of color too.
Get inventive with your ingredients! By playing with different cheese types or sauces, you can develop totally unique sausage ball recipes your crew is sure to swoon over. Have fun putting your signature spin on this versatile snack.
Make Them the Star Snack
These tasty bites shine whether as a main event or supporting act. Here are some fun ways to showcase them:
- Dip options: Let people try different toppings like ranch, marinara, honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping.
- Platter perfection: Pile the balls attractively on a platter with fresh herbs or veggie garnishes. They look too good not to eat!
- Game day grub: Pass them around for an easy, yummy option during sports watching. No forks needed.
- Picnic perks: Pack these portable protein packs for outdoor get-togethers. No fuss and people always devour them.
- Room temp snacks: Enjoy leftover balls at room temp since they taste great that way too. No heating needed.
Place chicken sausage balls center stage for any gathering. With their easy-grab-and-go style, these tasty bites are sure to be the first to go!
Make-Ahead Meal Prep Made Simple
Chicken sausage balls are so handy for prepping ahead of time. Here are the basics:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They stay fresh.
- Freezing: For longer storing, freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet until hard. Transfer to a freezer bag.
- Cooking from frozen: When ready to bake them later, just pop the frozen balls straight onto a baking sheet and add 5 minutes to the cook time. No problem!
This kind of convenience is ideal for busy schedules. Reheated balls are still tasty, making them perfect grab-and-go snacks or meals. No more stressing about what to eat!Prepping a batch of chicken sausage balls ensures you have an easy, protein-packed option ready whenever hunger strikes. Just pull and bake – meal solved.
FAQ
How do I make quick and easy sausage balls that are perfect party food?
Mix ground sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix in a large mixing bowl. Form balls from the sausage mixture and place them on baking sheets with cooking spray. These finger foods make super easy appetizers for any party. Preheat oven as directed and bake until golden brown.
Can I make gluten free sausage balls for my game day snacks?
Yes! Use gluten free bisquick or biscuit mix instead of regular baking mix. You can add sharp cheddar cheese and your choice of sausage (turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or breakfast sausage). These are perfect for low carb diets and make excellent party appetizers.
What’s the best way to store and freeze sausage balls?
Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container. To freeze uncooked sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. For frozen sausage balls, bake for 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature as specified in the recipe notes.
What dipping sauces go well with sausage cheese balls?
Popular options include hot sauce, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, or chili sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dipping sauce to complement these cheesy sausage balls.
How can I make crack chicken or Italian chicken meatballs as alternatives?
Mix ground chicken or Italian chicken sausage with panko breadcrumbs, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. For crack chicken variation, add bacon ranch flavoring and crumbled bacon. Form into bite size balls and bake.
What toppings can I add to my sausage balls besides plain cheese?
Try bacon wrapped variations, smoked sausage with olive oil, or betty crocker crescent rolls stuffed with ground turkey. You can also sprinkle brown sugar or sugar substitute for a unique twist.
Can I use different baking tools to make these appetizer recipes?
Yes! Use a dough hook for mixing, multiple baking pans for larger batches, and quality cast iron cookware for even cooking. Pin this recipe for your favorite board of chicken recipes.
What’s a good side dish like toffee apple dip to serve with sausage balls?
Try serving with ice cream for a sweet contrast, or make crack chicken bread. For affiliate links to these recipes and cracked out recipes, check our full recipe notes.
How do I calculate nutrition facts for sausage gravy stuffed biscuits?
Check serving size and total fat content in the recipe. For football friday gatherings, you might want to adjust portions of cheddar biscuits and dry ingredients based on your dietary needs.
What makes seriously the best sausage balls stand out from regular ones?
Using quality ingredients like uncooked Italian meatballs mixture, almond milk instead of water, and creating perfectly sized sausage balls makes them special. The combination of fresh ingredients and proper baking technique ensures they’re seriously the best.
Conclusion
Chicken sausage balls make a great snack that’s easy to prepare. All you need is ground chicken sausage, biscuit or baking mix, and seasoning. Just mix everything together into balls and bake! The sausage flavor packed into a bite-sized treat means plenty of taste in every mouthful. Serve warm from the oven for an appetizer or as a quick lunch – these little snacks are perfect for any time.
References
- https://healthreporter.com/is-chicken-sausage-healthy/
- https://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/bible-study-recipes
- https://facts.net/chicken-sausage-nutrition-facts/
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/best-homemade-chicken-sausage-recipes/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-health-benefits-nutrition/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-benefits/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
