Have a Ball: Part One

I noticed many cultural differences when I moved from Tennessee to California — chief among them: lack of sausage balls. My first introduction to the hot, cheesy appetizer involved a surprise party in my home state, where a friend and I decided we’d prefer to stick close to the bowl of sausage balls rather than mingle with other people.

In fact, when we hid to surprise the guest of honor, this friend and I might have grabbed that bowl before we squatted behind the couch. It’s possible we were even slow to jump up and say “Surprise!” because we were so distracted by having the sausage balls all to ourselves.

They are that good.

Now my Californian friends act equally ridiculous in the presence of sausage balls. And when I show up to a party sausage ball-less, I occasionally get why-did-you-bother-to-show-up-at-all looks.

So you can experience all this for yourself, I give you: sausage balls.

Sausage Balls

• 1 pound hot ground sausage
• 1 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3½ cups Bisquick
• ½ cup water

Let cheese and sausage soften at room temperature; then mix with Bisquick and water. Roll into balls. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Serves: A lot. (I can’t remember exactly — 5 dozen-ish, perhaps?)

Tips:  Avoid using milder sausage — it will create a less flavorful ball. In fact, my preference is ½ pound hot sausage and ½ pound Farmer John Firehouse Hot Roll Sausage, and I don’t normally gravitate toward spicy foods. Also, roll up these ball-shaped hors d’oeuvres loosely — they stay moister that way.

Stay tuned for “Have a Ball: Part Two,” featuring spinach balls!

Comments

It must be a Southern thing! :) I've lived in Alabama all my life & I can't imagine a good party without cheesey, spicy sausage balls!

Love, love, LOVE them! It wouldn't be Christmas at the folks house without them. I'd rather "belly up" to a bowl of those than open presents!!

These look absolutely yummy. I can't wait to try the recipe. I wish I'd had this idea for my Superbowl party!

Those are awesome... I've made them for years - Jimmy Dean spicy - and i'm in Oregon!

This is the most delicious looking meat thing I have ever seen in MY LIFE. I cannot wait to make these.

You can tell I'm a native Californian, because I have never heard of such a thing. But they sound SO good (it could be because I'm starving and about to walk out the door for lunch).

Sounds wonderful...am excited to try them! I live in MN and my sister always makes ham balls for family gatherings--mmmm.

These sound yummy I will have to make them for my BBQ on the 4th. My family loves meatballs I always make them with Rice-A-Roni and then brown them, and Even my 3yr old Daughter eats them and she doesnt eat meat!

what sauce do you serve with them?

Since I cannot eat pork, I will use a turkey sausage.
Will give them a whirl.
Thanks,

sausage ball receipe

This has always been a favorite recipe for Mississippi State football games that are in the mornings!
Thanks for printing the recipe. I look forward to trying the spinach recipe!

Why do people ALWAYS have to let you know they can't/don't eat pork.. HOW IS THAT RELEVANT TO YOU TRYING THE RECIPE??? Just say "Thanks.. This sounds interesting/delicious.. I'm gonna give it a try.." and when you make it FEEL FREE to use turkey sausage if that's how you get down..

Anyways.. **LOL** this sounds awesome.. Thanks for sharing this recipe.. Gonna try this soon.. (Notice that my choice of meat or non-meat is NOT important here..)