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Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe

Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe

It’s hard to beat biting into a warm, cheesy sausage ball with just the right amount of crisp on the outside!

I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they never last long once I put them out.

The best part? They only need three main ingredients, but the way you mix them is where it’s all at.

One thing I never skip is grating my own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded. The bagged kind has a coating that keeps it from melting as smoothly (and that texture matters!).

Use room-temp sausage since mixing cold is harder to blend evenly with the cheese and biscuit mix, which can lead to dry spots.

These have the kind of crispy edges and cheesy center that make them impossible to walk past without grabbing one more!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tbsp Creole Seasoning
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Sausage
  • 8 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 Green Onions (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning. Whisk together until mixed.

Step 3:

Place the ground pork sausage in a large bowl and crumble it.

Step 4:

Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and flour mixture to the sausage.

Step 5:

Use your hands to knead everything together until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.

Step 6:

Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheets with space between them.

Step 7:

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the sausage is cooked through, reaching 160°F internally.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

pioneer woman sausage balls on a plate

Choose Your Spice Level

Using mild or hot sausage allows you to control the spice level of your sausage balls effectively.

Ensure Consistent Size

Make sure each ball is the same size to ensure even cooking and a uniform appearance.

Experiment with Additions

If you feel adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.

Keep Cheese at Room Temperature

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to make it easier to blend the ingredients.

Use a Cookie Scoop

Using a cookie scoop helps to form evenly sized balls more quickly, which can save a lot of time.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls

Fresh Wedge Salad

A fresh wedge salad makes for a nice pairing with Pioneer Woman sausage balls.

The crunch of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy onions adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Don’t forget that a tangy blue cheese dressing can perfectly cut through the richness of the sausage balls!

Yellow Rice

Yellow rice, with its light and aromatic flavor, is an excellent side option.

Its delicate texture complements the savory taste of sausage balls really well.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing as a dipping sauce balances the bold flavors of sausage balls with its creamy richness.

It also works beautifully as a topping on salads, so you get double duty from just one ingredient.

It’s a sure way to enhance each bite into something truly special!

Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

Spice things up with a unique twist by serving sautéed mushrooms and onions alongside your sausage balls.

Mushrooms offer a robust and earthy note, while caramelized onions add a satisfying sweetness.

Combine these for a side dish that’s both savory and truly enticing!

Mediterranean Couscous

Consider serving Mediterranean couscous for an unexpected yet enchanting side dish.

Loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs, it offers a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast.

Variations and Substitutions

You can personalize Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls to match your preferences.

Different Cheeses

Try switching the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella to create a variety of flavor profiles.

Herb Infusion

Add herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra dose of fresh flavor that complements the sausage.

Spice It Up

For those who enjoy a little heat, mixing in diced jalapeños or red chili flakes will give the dish a spicy kick!

Vegan Option

Substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly option.

Experimenting with these variations will help you adjust the recipe to your own taste!

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls

Cooling Down

Let your sausage balls cool completely before storing them.

If they are still warm, you’ll risk creating unwanted moisture.

This could affect their texture.

Refrigerator Method

Once cooled, place them in an airtight container.

Store them in your fridge.

They’ll stay good to enjoy for the following 3 to 4 days.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

Lay them flat with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

In the freezer, they can last up to 2 months, ready whenever you’re craving some!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Ingredient Ratios

When mixing sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, it’s easy to end up with dry sausage balls if the ratios are off.

Make sure there’s enough sausage and cheese to keep them moist and flavorful!

You don’t want those cheese balls turning out dry and crumbly.

Using Pre-Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese might seem like a time-saver, but it often doesn’t melt well in the sausage balls.

Always opt for freshly grated cheese for smoother meltability and better texture.

Trust me, it makes a noticeable difference!

Overcooking the Sausage Balls

It’s crucial to keep an eye on the oven timer.

Sausage balls can dry out quickly if left in too long, losing their delicious moistness.

Remove them promptly to maintain the best taste and texture.

pioneer woman sausage balls recipe

Pioneer Woman Sausage Balls Recipe

It's hard to beat biting into a warm, cheesy sausage ball with just the right amount of crisp on the outside!
I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they never last long once I put them out.
The best part? They only need three main ingredients, but the way you mix them is where it's all at.
One thing I never skip is grating my own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded. The bagged kind has a coating that keeps it from melting as smoothly (and that texture matters!).
Use room-temp sausage since mixing cold is harder to blend evenly with the cheese and biscuit mix, which can lead to dry spots.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tbsp Creole Seasoning
  • 1 lb Ground Pork Sausage
  • 8 oz. Cream Cheese softened
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 2 Green Onions chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning. Whisk together until mixed.
  • Place the ground pork sausage in a large bowl and crumble it.
  • Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and flour mixture to the sausage.
  • Use your hands to knead everything together until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
  • Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheets with space between them.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the sausage is cooked through, reaching 160°F internally.

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