Annie Holmes Sausage Balls

Annie Holmes's Delicious Sausage Balls: A Simple Recipe for Busy Weeknights

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. These sausage balls are a lifesaver! They're incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep time, and they're incredibly satisfying. The perfect combination of savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, and a hint of ranch seasoning makes them irresistible. And the best part? They're incredibly versatile.

I often whip up a batch on Sunday to have a quick and easy breakfast or snack throughout the week. They're just as delicious cold as they are warm. My kids love them, and they’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes. They’re also a great addition to any party or gathering; they disappear quickly! The recipe is easily adaptable, too. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – I've used everything from mild Italian sausage to spicy chorizo – and add your favorite cheeses. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe takes me about 15 minutes to prepare, which is perfect for a busy weekday morning before I rush off to work. The baking time is also minimal, making it ideal for a quick meal or snack. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, so there’s no need to hunt down obscure items.

One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. I’ve used it countless times for different occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday parties. The sausage balls are always a hit, no matter the setting. They are a wonderful make-ahead snack or appetizer. You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake them.

Beyond the convenience, these sausage balls are also a great source of protein, perfect for fueling my busy days. They make a satisfying breakfast or brunch, a perfect addition to a buffet, or a simple yet impressive appetizer for a gathering. The slightly spicy kick from the sausage provides a nice contrast to the creamy cheese, creating a balanced flavor that everyone seems to love.

Making these sausage balls has become a cherished part of my weekly routine. The aroma filling my kitchen during baking always makes me feel happy. It’s a small, simple pleasure that helps me unwind after a long day, a little moment of calm before the chaos of bedtime. I highly recommend you give this recipe a try; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any busy person's culinary repertoire.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.
• Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
• Herb it up: Add a tablespoon or two of fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary for a boost of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Ensure your sausage and ranch seasoning are gluten-free to maintain a completely gluten-free dish.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the sausage ball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This is perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
• Freezing option: You can freeze the unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These simple adjustments can transform these already delicious sausage balls into something truly special and personalized to your liking. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook your breakfast sausage, drain and set it aside to cool slightly.
• When the sausage has cooled add it to a mixing bowl and combine with the cream cheese until there are no cream cheese clumps left.
• It is important to make sure the sausage is not too hot before continuing as it will cook the egg when you add it in the next step
• Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix, almond flour, flax meal, baking powder, shredded cheddar and egg.
• Grease a baking sheet and using a small cooking scoop place the sausage balls on the tray.
• I had 30 balls total
• Bake 15-18 minutes.