These Paula Deen Sausage Balls are everything you want in a savory snack—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a rich, cheesy flavor that’s totally irresistible. When you take your first bite, the perfect balance of sausage and cheddar melts together in a delightful, savory harmony. The slight heat from the sausage lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more, without overpowering the other flavors. I love how the texture comes together—slightly crunchy on the outside from a quick bake, but soft and warm in the middle, almost like a mini biscuit but way more flavorful.
What really makes these sausage balls stand out is how easy they are to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, prepping snacks for a game day gathering, or just craving something comforting for the family, these little bites never fail to impress. You can even make a batch ahead of time and freeze them—just pop them in the oven and voilà, you’ve got hot, cheesy sausage goodness in minutes. There’s something about the combination of sausage, cheese, and baking mix that feels like home, doesn’t it? Every time I make these, I’m transported back to family gatherings where everyone’s always asking for the recipe—so, of course, I end up making them again and again.
Key Ingredients in Paula Deen Sausage Balls
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect bite-sized treats. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor and texture that we all crave. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient so special in this delicious recipe:
- Breakfast Sausage: The star of the show! The sausage adds rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of spice. It’s what gives these sausage balls their juicy tenderness and that irresistible meaty bite that keeps you coming back for more.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a creamy, cheesy richness that perfectly complements the sausage. As it melts, it brings a gooey, satisfying texture that binds everything together while adding a delicious sharpness to the flavor.
- Baking Mix: The unsung hero of this recipe! It helps create that biscuit-like texture, providing the right structure to hold everything together while giving the sausage balls a light, fluffy interior.
- Milk: Just a small amount of milk is all it takes to bring everything together, adding moisture to the mixture and ensuring the right consistency for easy shaping. It also helps the dry ingredients incorporate smoothly, making the sausage balls perfectly tender and not too dry.
Each ingredient works its magic to create a snack that’s comforting, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Paula Deen Sausage Balls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the breakfast sausage into small pieces.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sausage.
- Sift the baking mix into the same bowl, combining it with the sausage and cheese.
- Pour the milk into the bowl and mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Once the mixture is well-combined, use your hands to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the sausage balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions for Paula Deen Sausage Balls
Pair with a Dipping Sauce: These sausage balls are perfect for dunking! Try serving them with a side of creamy ranch dressing or tangy honey mustard. The coolness of the ranch contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory bites, while the honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the sausage flavor. Get creative and experiment with different sauces—your guests will love it!
Serve with a Fresh Salad: For a lighter touch, pair these sausage balls with a crisp green salad. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the sausage and cheese, creating the perfect contrast of flavors. A simple lemon vinaigrette or a tangy balsamic dressing brings everything together and makes for a delicious, well-rounded meal.
Make It a Brunch Spread: Imagine this: a big platter of golden, cheesy sausage balls surrounded by fresh fruit, soft scrambled eggs, and flaky biscuits. These sausage balls are the star of any brunch table! Add a little side of homemade jam or jelly for those who like a touch of sweetness with their savory bites. You’ll have a breakfast spread that’s bound to impress!
Now, I’m curious—how do you like to serve your sausage balls? Let me know your favorite way to enjoy these little bites of heaven!
How to Store Paula Deen Sausage Balls
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers (though, let’s be honest, that’s rare!), storing them properly will help keep them just as delicious as when they first came out of the oven. The key is to preserve that crispy outside and tender, cheesy inside. To store them, simply let the sausage balls cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture without becoming soggy.
If you plan to enjoy them in the next few days, you can keep them in the fridge. Just layer them in the container with a piece of parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new—crispy on the outside and warm in the middle.
For longer storage, these sausage balls freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re craving a quick snack, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—no need to thaw! In minutes, you’ll have a hot batch of sausage balls ready to devour.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—Paula Deen’s Sausage Balls, a recipe that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving something delicious for a cozy night in, these little bites of savory goodness are always a hit. With their crispy edges, tender centers, and that perfect balance of flavors, they’re an absolute must-try. And the best part? They’re super easy to make, and you can even prepare them ahead of time for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
I hope you give this recipe a go, and I’d love to hear all about how they turn out for you. Did you add any personal touches? Did your friends and family go wild for them? Drop me a comment or send over any questions if you need a hand. I’m always here to help you out in the kitchen, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any tips or just want to chat about your sausage ball adventure. Happy cooking, friends!
Paula Deen Sausage Balls
Description
These Paula Deen Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy bite of Southern comfort. Packed with spicy sausage, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic, each ball is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for snacking or sharing at any gathering!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, crumble the breakfast sausage into small pieces.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sausage.
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Sift the baking mix into the same bowl, combining it with the sausage and cheese.
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Pour the milk into the bowl and mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Once the mixture is well-combined, use your hands to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Place the sausage balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
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Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
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Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
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Serve warm and enjoy.
Note
- For extra flavor, you can add some garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- For a lighter texture, you can use a low-fat sausage or swap half the cheese for a lighter option.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more milk until it reaches the right consistency.
- You can make the sausage balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- These sausage balls freeze well, so make a double batch and store them for later use.
