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Introduction to the Recipe
If you’re a fan of savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned snacks, you’re going to love these Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls! These bite-sized morsels are packed with flavor, making them the perfect keto-friendly snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a quick meal prep option, these sausage balls are versatile, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. They come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try on your keto journey!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls
These Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls are everything you need in a low-carb snack—flavorful, filling, and completely satisfying. Here’s why this recipe will be your new go-to:
- Low in Carbs, High in Flavor: With no breading or breadcrumbs, these sausage balls are low in carbs, making them perfect for anyone following a keto diet.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They’re great to make ahead, store in the fridge, and have as a quick snack throughout the week.
- Cheese and Sausage Combo: The melted cheese and savory sausage create a flavor-packed bite that will leave you craving more.
- Gluten-Free: No gluten here, just wholesome ingredients that are perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
- Kid-Friendly: These sausage balls are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great addition to any family meal.
My Personal Experience
I absolutely love making these Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls whenever I’m in the mood for a hearty snack. They’re so easy to throw together, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is just incredible! I remember the first time I made these, I had a batch in the oven, and my family was already standing in the kitchen waiting to try them—it’s that irresistible! They are the perfect snack when you need something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Required Equipment
Making Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls is incredibly easy, but here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make the process smooth and efficient:
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is key to combining all the ingredients. I love using one with high sides to keep things from spilling over as you mix. A sturdy bowl that won’t tip over easily is a game-changer!
- Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet with a rim is perfect for baking these sausage balls. The rim helps prevent any oil from spilling and keeps them from rolling off the tray. I recommend using a non-stick sheet or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For uniform sausage balls, a cookie scoop works wonders. It ensures each ball is about the same size, so they cook evenly.
- Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven to bake these beauties! Ensure it’s preheated to the correct temperature, so the sausage balls cook evenly and get that nice golden crust.
- Cooling Rack (Optional): If you want to keep your sausage balls crispy, I recommend placing them on a cooling rack after baking. It lets the air circulate around them, so they don’t become soggy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls, along with some substitution options to suit your preferences:
- 1 lb of ground sausage: The base of the recipe. Choose your preferred flavor (mild or spicy). If you prefer turkey or chicken sausage, that works too!
- 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for these sausage balls, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- 1 cup of almond flour: This acts as the binder in place of breadcrumbs. Almond flour is perfect for keto because it’s low in carbs and gives a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together and gives the sausage balls structure.
- ½ tsp of garlic powder: For that savory depth of flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a bit more.
- ½ tsp of onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and flavor that complements the sausage.
- 1 tsp of dried Italian seasoning: This is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
How to Make Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls
Follow these easy steps to make your delicious Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sausage balls cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
- Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or using a non-stick baking sheet. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well incorporated. Don’t be afraid to get in there and really mix it up!
- Shape the sausage balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each ball for even cooking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting one in half—if it’s no longer pink inside, they’re ready!
- Cool and serve: Let the sausage balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal!
Tips for this Recipe
- Make sure your sausage mixture is well mixed, but don’t overwork it. Overmixing can lead to dense sausage balls.
- For extra flavor, you can add a little bit of grated Parmesan to the mixture.
- If you like your sausage balls extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
Optional Additions
- Chopped Jalapenos: Add a bit of heat and flavor by mixing in chopped jalapenos.
- Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy texture, add 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
- Bacon Bits: For a smoky touch, toss in a handful of crumbled bacon bits.
Serving Ideas
These sausage balls are perfect as a stand-alone snack, but they can also be served with a dipping sauce. Try pairing them with a creamy ranch or spicy mustard sauce for a tangy twist. You could also serve them alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage balls ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of pork sausage? Yes, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Are these keto-friendly? Yes! These sausage balls are low in carbs, making them the perfect snack for a keto diet.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Carbs: 2g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Calories: 140
Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Scoop out the mixture and form into 1-inch balls, placing them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving.
I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, delicious recipes, and all the motivation you need to reach your goals. If you’re new to keto, check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide—it’s the ideal resource to help you confidently start your low-carb journey!
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