Many people know how to make sausage balls, but they’re usually dry and not great. This recipe yields tender, delicious balls of goodness!
I’ve never been a fan of Southern sausage balls, the recipe with Bisquick, cheddar cheese, and sausage. They are so dry I need a drink of water after every bite. But, for some reason, I wanted to like them, so I got in the kitchen and came up with my own version. It took me several tries to figure out how to make sausage balls that don’t suck, but in the end, I was so happy with the results. These are moist and flavorful and have become a regular part of my weekly food prep.
Ricotta is a magical ingredient. Its flavor is fresh and clean, so it doesn’t compete, and the fat adds moisture and richness to just about any recipe. It’s my secret ingredient in pancakes, meatloaf, and many other things. Almond flour keeps these gluten-free and low-carb. It also adds additional protein. Combined with a few other ingredients, you can have a batch of these whipped up in about 15 minutes.
We don’t follow a strict keto diet, but we do eat mostly low-carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory foods. I enjoy having high-protein, low-carb snacks like this when I need something quick but still want to feel satiated. I eat what makes me feel good and strongly believe nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all thing. What works for me may not work for you, but I love sharing healthy(ish) dishes like this, and if it helps someone out there reach their goals, that makes my heart happy!
How to Make Sausage Balls
Why We Love It
- Quick. From start to finish, these take about 30 minutes.
- High protein. Thanks to sausage, ricotta, and almond flour, these are packed with protein.
- Minimal ingredients. These only require four main ingredients and a few pantry ingredients!
- Healthier. The ingredients are clean and straightforward, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Dietary friendly. If you’re on a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto diet, these are for you.
- Meal prep. Enjoy all week for easy, high-protein snacks. They also freeze and defrost beautifully!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make sausage balls, you only need a few ingredients, most of which you’ll likely already have on hand!
- Italian sausage. I use ground to keep it easy. If you use links, remove the meat from the casing.
- Ricotta. I prefer full-fat because the higher fat content adds moisture and keeps these light and fluffy.
- Parmesan cheese. This adds a ton of flavor and acts as a binder.
- Almond flour. To keep these low-carb and gluten-free, we prefer almond flour.
- Italian parsley. I love the herby freshness and color parsley adds, but it’s completely optional.
- Baking powder, salt, and pepper.
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How To Make Sausage Balls
This is one bowl, one pan recipe that can be done in 30 minutes!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I ♥ these sheets of parchment paper!
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl except the sausage and mix well.
- Add the sausage and mix until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form little balls.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
When you roll them, try not to compact the meat. Here’s a close-up of what they should look like. See the little cracks in the meat? That’s ok. Put a scoop of the meat mixture in the palm of your hand, and gently roll the meat until it’s formed a ball – without compacting too much. This helps them stay light and tender 😉
Serving Suggestions
- We love these sausage balls with warm marinara, but they are equally delicious with sour cream.
- These are perfect as a light meal with a salad, parties, and snacks.
- We LOVE eating them for breakfast, especially on days we are short on time.
Helpful Tips
- The sausage mixture can be made the day before. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
- Use full-fat ricotta for the best texture. Blended cottage cheese also works.
- For tender balls, don’t compact the meat. Use gentle hands when mixing and rolling.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then freeze for up to three months.
- Defrost frozen sausage balls in the microwave or in the oven at 300 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Check out our vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb recipes if you have food sensitivities! |
Serve This With
- 10-Minute Tangy Tomato Dressing Recipe
- Foolproof Butter & Lemon Baked Rice Recipe
- Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe | Plus 25 Ways To Use It
If you try this recipe, I'd love to know! Comment below or tag me on Instagram. Be sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss out on anything new. Thanks so much for being here, friends! |
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How to Make Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Almond flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Fresh Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add all of the ingredients except the sausage to a large bowl.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Add the sausage and mix until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to form little balls.
- Place each one onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
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