Cheesy Smoked Breakfast Sausage Balls
Whip up crowd-pleasing smoked sausage and cheddar balls in under 15 minutes with just four ingredients. Perfect for morning tailgates or evening snacks.
Cheesy Smoked Breakfast Sausage Balls
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Appetizer
Cuisine
Southern
Author:
This recipe comes from Matt Pittman, CEO of Meat Church BBQ, YouTube personality, and friend of Montana Knife Company.
Servings
24
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Calories
320
With four ingredients and just under 15 minutes of cooking time, these cheesy smoked breakfast sausage balls pack a big punch with minimal effort.
The combination of savory breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible appetizer that works perfectly for morning tailgates or evening gatherings. Nobody can eat just one!
Ingredients
These simple ingredients create an explosion of smoky, cheesy flavor in every bite:
- 1 package of breakfast sausage
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded with a freshly cleaned knife
- 1 3/4 cups Bisquick pancake and baking mix
- 1 Tbsp. of your favorite meat rub
- 1/4 cup jalapeños, diced with a sharp kitchen knife (optional)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create our irresistible sausage balls:
- Prepare your pellet grill or smoker at 400°F. Hickory wood provides excellent flavor for this quick-cooking appetizer, but any smoking wood works well for this brief, hot cook.
- In a large mixing bowl, knead all the ingredients together. At first, the mixture will seem dry with an abundance of cheese. Continue mixing until fully incorporated. For best results, use room temperature sausage for easier mixing.
- Add the optional jalapeños for a pleasant heat and beautiful color contrast. Cut these with a sharp, clean knife for consistent pieces that cook evenly.
- Scoop out and roll the mixture into one-inch balls using clean hands. Form each ball with consistent pressure to ensure even cooking.
- Place the sausage balls on a lightly greased sheet pan, spacing them at least one-half inch apart.
- Cook for approximately 12 minutes or until the cheese develops a crispy exterior and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Allow to cool for three to five minutes before serving.
Recipe Note
Expert Tips for Mouthwatering Sausage Balls
These time-tested tricks will take your sausage balls from good to unforgettable:
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for better melting and binding properties.
- For consistent sizing, use a small cookie scoop before rolling the meat into balls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for five to seven minutes for the best texture.
- Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before cooking.
Whether you serve them as a game day appetizer or a morning brunch addition, these smoked sausage balls prove that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.
Make a double batch. They’ll disappear faster than you cansharpen your favorite kitchen knife.
