Picture the enticing aroma of savory turkey sausage mingling with melted cheddar cheese wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about these Turkey Sausage Balls that feels like an indulgent yet comforting treat, perfect for any occasion.
They’re delightfully easy to make, combining simple ingredients into a delicious appetizer.
As they bake, watch them turn golden brown, transforming into irresistible bites of flavor.
Let’s bring this dish to life and enjoy every savory morsel.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cook & Prep Time
Creating a timeline for the Turkey Sausage Balls recipe will help guarantee efficient preparation and cooking. Here’s a suggested timeline to follow:
Timeline for Turkey Sausage Balls
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Read through the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prepping & Mixing (15 minutes)
- 0:05 – 0:10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 0:10 – 0:20: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Shaping & Baking (25 minutes)
- 0:20 – 0:25: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 0:25 – 0:50: Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Resting & Serving (5 minutes)
- 0:50 – 0:55: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sausage mixture and mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for 5 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.
Serving Tips
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch dressing or honey mustard for a flavorful addition.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced appetizer spread.
- Fruit Platter: Complement the savory sausage balls with a selection of fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices.
- Cheese Board: Include the sausage balls on a cheese board alongside various cheeses, nuts, and crackers for a diverse appetizer selection.
- Vegetable Crudités: Offer alongside a platter of fresh vegetable sticks and a dipping sauce for a healthier option.
Storage
For ideal storage, refrigerate cooked turkey sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze unbaked balls for longer storage. Bake directly from frozen with adjusted time.
Freezing
To freeze turkey sausage balls, shape and place them on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Bake directly from frozen, adjusting the time accordingly.
Reheating
To reheat turkey sausage balls, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Sausage Balls are a delightful appetizer that combines the savory flavors of turkey sausage and cheddar cheese.
They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering.
The use of garlic and onion powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the option of adding cayenne pepper or paprika can spice things up.
These sausage balls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them a convenient option for busy hosts.
Enjoy serving them as a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese in the Recipe?
You can definitely swap the cheese. Try sharp cheddar for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a mild, creamy melt. Experiment with smoked gouda for a robust flavor. Each choice changes the dish’s taste profile and texture delightfully.
How Can I Make the Sausage Balls Gluten-Free?
You’ll swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative, like almond or coconut flour. These flours add nutty depth and subtle sweetness, enhancing the savory turkey and cheddar while maintaining the sausage balls’ tender texture.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
You’ll want to refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, preserving their savory essence. For longer storage, freeze them. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain their tender core and crispy exterior, enhancing the delightful flavor profile.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Turkey Sausage?
You can swap turkey sausage with any ground meat like chicken, beef, or pork. Each alters flavor profiles; beef adds richness, pork infuses savory juiciness, while chicken keeps it light. Adjust seasonings to complement the meat’s unique taste.
Are These Sausage Balls Suitable for Freezing After Baking?
You can definitely freeze these savory treats after baking. Their cheesy, flavorful bite stays intact. Just guarantee you cool them completely before sealing tightly. When reheating, use a low oven temperature to maintain their delicious, moist texture.
Turkey Sausage Balls
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sausage mixture and mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for 5 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.
Notes
