I had a ballsy week with the Battle of the Balls! Not only is this a new-to-me recipe but I modified it to use turkey sausage instead of the traditional pork sausage! To recap: Marti had a party planned for Sunday but was going camping all weekend. She asked me for my favorite sausage cheddar ball recipe because she needs something that she could make a few days ahead and bake the day of the party.
The southern bell in me really enjoyed exploring different recipes for Sausage Cheddar Balls. After a bit of research, I modified a true southern recipe from Paula Dean to create these cheesy balls. What I love is that the recipe is super easy and requires less ingredients than the Turkey Meatballs. It also gives you the versatility of meal options and flavor profiles. I chose to use turkey sausage because I have a wedding dress to fit into in a few months. However, you can use any sausage you prefer. Marti said that Sunday is cheat day, so she is going with a juicy pork sausage which adds a nice level of fat to make the ball even more moist.
Pair this with my Saucy Minx Dipping Sauce to complete the experience! Alright! Let's get cookin' and spend some thyme together yall! Per the usual I included the basic ingredients you need for this recipe, the ingredients I used and directions to follow along. If you modified something, then skip that step or replace the step with your own ingredient!
OOPS! I forgot the pepper--Oh well, that just means it is time to pour a glass of wine and sprinkle the pepper on top instead!
Tools:
Large Bowl
Cheese Grater
Whisk
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Keep It Simple | Just The Basics:
1 LB Turkey Sausage (any type of sausage will work)
2 1/2 - 3 Cups Baking Mix (like bisquick, or follow this recipe to make it yourself)
4 Cups Freshly Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar (about 2/3rds of a 32 oz block of cheddar)
Pepper
Thyme For Mine | Make It With Me:
1 LB Turkey Sausage (any type of sausage will work)
2 1/2 Cups Baking Mix (like bisquick, or follow this recipe to make it yourself)
4 Cups Freshly Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar (about 2/3rds of a 32 oz block of cheddar)
2 TSP Granulated Garlic
1 TSP Fenugreek
1 TSP Dill
1 TSP Thyme
1/2 TSP Chipotle
1 TSP Pepper
Direction Thyme:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Combine all dry ingredients with whisk starting with baking mix
4. Add shredded cheddar
5. Add sausage
6. Using your hands, Combine until fully incorporated…
7. Strong arm the heck out of it until it is combined.
TIP: The mixture will start off dry. Once a ball starts to form you should knead it like bread dough, pulling the crumbs into the fold as you go.
8. Roll into 1-2" balls
9. Bake 20 minutes until brown and delicious!
10. If you want crisp on both sides, flip them after
TIP: If you forget the pepper, like I did, put a little room temperature butter on top of the balls and sprinkle it on before baking!
There you have it! Turkey Tom's Yummy Sausage Cheddar Balls!
It is hard to compare the two ball options. The Turkey Sausage balls are more dense and almost take on the form of a biscuit when finished. Whereas the Turkey Tom's Meatballs are light, fresh, and airy. Both offer a lot of meal options but the Sausage Cheddar Balls feel more appetizery…that being said, we ate them for dinner last week with my Saucy Minx Dipping Sauce and a fresh salad to lighten up the meal. You can make both ball mixtures ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for quick Manic Monday night meals or cook them all at once and send them with the fam for lunch during the week. Trust me, they will not be disappointed! Oh & don't forget you can freeze it too!!