Maple Sausage Balls are a fun and tasty treat! Made with ground sausage, cheesy goodness, and a hint of maple, these bites are perfect for snacks or breakfast.
They’re super easy to make—just mix, scoop, and bake! Whenever I serve these, they disappear faster than I can say “Maple!” Sweet and savory together? Yes, please! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: Go for maple-flavored sausage if you want that sweet touch. If that’s not available, a sweet breakfast sausage works great too. Need a lighter option? Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier spin.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that great flavor, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer something less tangy. For a different cheese experience, consider pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Flour: The all-purpose flour helps bind everything, but if you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just check if it has the right binding qualities!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is a must for that authentic flavor. In a pinch, you can use pancake syrup, but the taste won’t be as rich. Honey could also work, giving a different sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Sausage Balls Hold Their Shape?
Getting the right texture is key to perfectly shaped sausage balls. Here are tips to help:
- Mix thoroughly, but don’t overwork the mixture; you want it to be fluffy, not dense.
- Use a cookie scoop to keep your balls uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This can make it easier to handle.
- Make sure to space them at least an inch apart on the baking sheet to allow for even browning.
How to Make Maple Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (preferably maple-flavored or sweet breakfast sausage)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, adjust depending on sausage saltiness)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have these tasty Maple Sausage Balls ready to enjoy in approximately 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sausage balls will bake evenly and come out deliciously golden. While waiting, you can prepare your baking sheet.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. The mixture will be a bit sticky.
3. Add Maple Syrup:
Now, pour in the maple syrup. Give it a thorough mix again, ensuring the syrup is well incorporated into the sausage mixture. This will add that sweet, delicious flavor!
4. Form the Balls:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and form it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place these onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about an inch of space between each ball. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Bake the Sausage Balls:
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be cooked through and turn a lovely golden brown color on the outside.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the sausage balls cool for a few moments. They are best served warm! If you like, you can pair these with a delicious mustard or maple dipping sauce to enhance the flavors.
7. Enjoy!
These Maple Sausage Balls make a perfect hearty snack or appetizer for gatherings! The recipe yields about 24 balls; feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your needs.
Enjoy your tasty creation! 🥳
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey sausage is a great substitute and will result in a lighter version of the Maple Sausage Balls. Just be mindful that turkey sausage may have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or spices.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick warming or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, place the sausage balls in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Serve with Maple Sausage Balls?
They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Try serving them with mustard, sweet chili sauce, or even a warm maple syrup for dipping. They also make a great addition to a breakfast spread or as a hearty snack at parties!
