Paula Deen Sausage Balls

Savory, cheesy bites with a perfectly crisp exterior give way to a juicy, flavorful center in these irresistible Paula Deen sausage balls. This crowd-pleasing appetizer combines the rich taste of ground sausage with sharp cheddar cheese and a light baking mix for a textural masterpiece that disappears quickly at any gathering. Paired with a simple yet delicious dipping sauce, these bite-sized treats strike the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence.

I first made these sausage balls for an impromptu neighborhood gathering and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Despite their simple ingredient list, they deliver complex flavors that keep everyone reaching for more. What makes them truly special is the contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the juicy, cheesy interior. My teenage son has since declared them his "request meal" for special occasions, and friends now expect them at our annual holiday party. The best part? I can prepare them in advance and simply reheat when guests arrive, allowing me to enjoy the gathering rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Perfect Ingredient Selection

• Ground Sausage: Forms the savory foundation with its rich flavor and natural juiciness that keeps the balls moist
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold flavor and creates pockets of melty goodness throughout each bite
• Baking Mix: Creates structure and adds a subtle biscuit-like quality that complements the savory elements
• Black Pepper: Enhances the sausage's natural flavors with a gentle heat that builds with each bite
• Mayonnaise: Forms a creamy base for the dipping sauce that balances the richness of the sausage balls
• Mustard: Adds tangy brightness to the dipping sauce, cutting through the richness of the appetizer

Creating Appetizer Perfection

Prepare Your Work Space

Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F and coating your baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. This preparation ensures your sausage balls will cook evenly and release easily from the pan after baking.

Blend The Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature sausage, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and baking mix. Using your hands, mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The warmth of your hands helps blend the ingredients more effectively than a spoon or mixer, creating a cohesive mixture.

Form Perfect Portions

Roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls, using gentle pressure to ensure they hold together without compressing too tightly. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them to allow for even browning on all sides.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake the sausage balls for 18-20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. This careful timing ensures the exterior develops a perfect golden crispness while the interior remains juicy and flavorful.

Create The Dipping Sauce

While the sausage balls bake, prepare the simple yet flavorful dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. This two-ingredient sauce perfectly complements the savory sausage balls with its creamy tanginess.

Serve With Style

Arrange the warm sausage balls on a serving platter with the dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside. For an elevated presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few cracks of black pepper over the dipping sauce.

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My family particularly loves these when I use spicy breakfast sausage for an extra kick of flavor. I've found that adding a tablespoon of finely minced fresh herbs like rosemary or sage elevates the flavor profile for special occasions. During the holidays, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture, which adds a subtle warmth that guests can't quite identify but always appreciate.

The recipe came from my mother-in-law, who claimed it was Paula Deen's original, though she had adapted it over the years to suit our family's taste preferences. There's something special about these humble little bites that brings people together—perhaps it's their approachable nature or the fact that they satisfy both sophisticated and simple palates alike.

Delicious Variations

These versatile sausage balls welcome creative adaptations that build upon their savory foundation while introducing exciting new flavor dimensions. Create an Italian-inspired version by using Italian sausage, substituting mozzarella for the cheddar, and adding a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the mixture. For a Southwestern twist, incorporate pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, add a diced jalapeño, and serve with a cilantro-lime dipping sauce. Breakfast lovers might enjoy a maple-bacon variation using breakfast sausage, a touch of maple syrup, and bits of cooked bacon mixed into the base. For a Mediterranean approach, try using a combination of feta and cheddar cheeses with a touch of dried oregano, serving alongside a simple tzatziki dip. Each variation maintains the essential texture and convenience of the original while offering new flavor experiences.

Perfect Pairings

These savory bites shine brightest when served alongside complementary offerings that balance their rich flavor profile. For breakfast or brunch gatherings, pair with fresh fruit skewers and mini quiches to create a varied and satisfying spread. As an appetizer before dinner, serve alongside lighter options like vegetable crudités with hummus or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For game day spreads, these sausage balls partner perfectly with buffalo wings, loaded potato skins, and a selection of craft beers. When entertaining guests for cocktail hour, serve with pickled vegetables and olives, which provide acidic contrast to the rich sausage balls. The versatility of this recipe makes it appropriate for nearly any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal affairs.

Make-Ahead Magic

Maximize convenience without sacrificing quality by preparing these sausage balls in advance of your gathering. Prepare and bake the sausage balls as directed, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Transfer the cooled balls to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to two weeks for best quality. When ready to serve, arrange the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet and reheat in a 375°F oven for approximately 10 minutes until heated through. For shorter storage, refrigerate cooked sausage balls in an airtight container for up to four days, reheating in the oven, microwave, or air fryer as needed. The dipping sauce can also be prepared up to three days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator until serving time.

I'll never forget serving these at my daughter's graduation party—I made a triple batch, thinking we'd have plenty of leftovers, but they disappeared within the first hour! There's something universally appealing about these humble sausage balls that transcends their simple ingredients. Perhaps it's the way they transform ordinary components into something greater than the sum of their parts, or maybe it's just the irresistible combination of savory sausage and melty cheese. Whatever the reason, they've become a staple in our family's recipe collection, requested for everything from holiday brunches to casual Sunday football watching. The fact that I can make them ahead and simply reheat when needed makes them a practical choice for busy hosts who want to enjoy their own gatherings rather than being tethered to the kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the balls and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them raw for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What type of sausage works best?

Breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean) works great. You can use mild, hot, or sage-flavored depending on your preference. Italian sausage also works but will give a different flavor profile.

→ Is Bisquick the only baking mix I can use?

Any similar baking mix will work. You can also make your own by combining 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup shortening or cold butter cut into the flour mixture.

→ Why are my sausage balls too dry and crumbly?

If the mixture is too dry to hold together, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and mix again. The moisture from the milk will help bind the ingredients without making them too wet.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular baking mix with a gluten-free version like Gluten-Free Bisquick. Just make sure your sausage is also gluten-free (most are, but some may contain fillers).

→ What other dips pair well with these?

Besides the mayo-mustard dip, these are delicious with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.