Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe

Savory Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe: A Southern Comfort Delight

Southern comfort meets party-perfect appetizers in these delectable sausage balls that pack a punch of flavor.

Cheese, ground sausage, and baking mix mingle into irresistible bite-sized treats everyone craves.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen with minimal prep time.

Family gatherings and game day celebrations suddenly feel more exciting when these golden-brown delights emerge from the oven.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy richness that complements the savory sausage perfectly.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, these sausage balls promise to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing snack.

Grab a plate and prepare for pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Paula Deen Sausage Balls Steal The Show

  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with savory sausage and cheesy goodness, these sausage balls instantly become a party favorite that disappears from the platter in minutes.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing make this recipe perfect for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Party Snack: Perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, breakfast buffets, or casual weekend get-togethers where guests love finger foods that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different types of sausage or cheese to create your own unique twist on this classic Southern-style appetizer that everyone will adore.

What’s In Paula Deen Sausage Balls

Main Ingredients:
  • Sausage: A flavorful protein that provides the primary taste and richness to the sausage balls.
  • Baking Mix: A convenient base that helps bind the ingredients and create a tender texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that adds depth of flavor and melty goodness.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: A classic spice that enhances the overall savory profile of the sausage balls.
Dipping Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Mustard: A classic combination that creates a tangy and creamy dipping sauce for the sausage balls.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet during cooking.

How To Make Paula Deen Sausage Balls Fast

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 375°F. Spray a baking sheet generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Baking mix
  • Sausage
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Black pepper

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Place each ball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Cook for 18-20 minutes, turning the sausage balls halfway through to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior and ensure thorough cooking.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Dipping Sauce

While the sausage balls are baking, quickly mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl to create a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that complements the savory balls.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sausage balls from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then transfer to a serving platter.

Serve warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love.

Tips To Nail Paula Deen Sausage Balls

  • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor depth.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • For a lighter version, swap regular sausage with turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cheese.
  • Make ahead and freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen with slightly extended cooking time.

Flavor Switches For Paula Deen Sausage Balls

  • Spicy Southwest Sausage Balls: Replace black pepper with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Sausage Balls: Mix in dried oregano, basil, and crumbled feta cheese, serving with tzatziki sauce instead of mustard mayo.
  • Breakfast Maple Sausage Balls: Use maple-flavored breakfast sausage, add a pinch of cinnamon, and serve with warm maple syrup for dipping.
  • Bacon Cheddar Sausage Balls: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits into the mixture and sprinkle extra sharp cheddar on top before baking.

What Goes With Paula Deen Sausage Balls

  • Spice Up with Zesty Dip: Combine the homemade mustard-mayo sauce with the savory sausage balls for a tangy flavor explosion that cuts through the richness.
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the heavy, meaty texture and complements the sharp cheddar notes.
  • Match with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, hearty sausage balls.
  • Complement with Beer: A cold craft lager or hoppy IPA helps cleanse the palate and enhances the spicy, cheesy elements of the appetizer.

Storing Paula Deen Sausage Balls Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and ready for quick snacking.
  • Freeze: Carefully place cooled sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months.
  • Microwave Reheat: Warm refrigerated sausage balls for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, checking to ensure they're heated through without becoming dry.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread sausage balls on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and hot interior.

Paula Deen Sausage Balls FAQ Guide

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the original sausage with spicy or mild varieties depending on your flavor preference. Just ensure the sausage is ground and uncooked.

  • Is it possible to make these sausage balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep easier.

  • What if I don't have baking mix?

You can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. This works perfectly as a replacement for pre-made baking mix.

  • Can I freeze these sausage balls?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking.

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Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe

Paula Deen Sausage Balls Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory Paula Deen sausage balls combine zesty cheese and hearty sausage in a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delights party guests. Southern comfort meets irresistible flavor, ensuring these bite-sized morsels vanish quickly from any gathering’s spread.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground sausage

Cheese:

  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Base and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups baking mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dip Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the baking mix, sausage, cheese, and pepper using your hands until uniformly combined.
  3. Craft compact, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter from the meat mixture.
  4. Strategically position the spheres across the prepared baking sheet, leaving modest gaps between each ball.
  5. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating the balls midway through cooking to guarantee golden-brown surfaces and thorough heating.
  6. During baking, swiftly whip together mayonnaise and mustard in a petite bowl to craft a tangy complementary sauce.
  7. Once the sausage balls emerge crispy and sizzling, transfer them to a serving platter alongside the zesty dipping sauce.
  8. Present immediately while still piping hot, allowing guests to savor the rich, savory appetizer with its creamy accompaniment.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure better mixing and consistent texture.
  • For a lighter version, swap regular sausage with turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
  • Gently mix the ingredients to prevent overworking the mixture, which can make the sausage balls tough and dense.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 309
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 705 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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