These sausage cheese balls are made with Italian sausage, a little Italian seasoning, and three kinds of cheese. With mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese they are flavorful little bites that are a perfect appetizer for your next party.
1poundMild or Hot Italian sausagebulk or casings removed and torn into pieces if using linked
2cupsBiscuit Mix(like Bisquick)
2cupsShredded Mozzarella Cheese(8 ounces)
1cupShredded Cheddar Cheese(4 ounces)
2tablespoonsGrated Parmesan Cheese
½teaspoonItalian Seasoning
¼teaspoonBlack Pepper
PinchCrushed Red Pepperoptional – leave it out if you don’t like it too spicy
⅓cupMilkplus 1-3 teaspoons, if needed (use whole or reduced fat milk)
Fresh Chopped Parsleyfor garnish, optional
Marinara Saucefor serving, optional
Instructions
You will also need: Large baking sheet(s), parchment paper, 1 tablespoon size cookie spoon (or 1 tablespoon measuring spoon), cooking spray or cooking oil
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add the sausage, biscuit mix, mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan cheeses, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Use your hands to combine. It will be dry and crumbly.
Next add the milk and continue to combine until the mix is no longer crumbly and holds together. Add another teaspoon or two of milk if necessary.
Use a tablespoon cookie scoop (or tablespoon measuring spoon) to portion out the sausage mixture, then roll them into roughly 1-inch balls.
Arrange them on the parchment lined baking sheet leaving about 1 inch space between them so they have room to rise.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the largest piece is at least 165°F.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with marinara sauce if desired. Makes approximately 40 pieces.
Notes
I use pre-shredded, whole milk mozzarella to save some time and because it melts well. But, for the cheddar cheese I prefer to shred it by hand because the pre-shredded stuff does not melt as well.
When you are forming the balls add a little cooking spray (or cooking oil) to your hands it will make rolling easier.