Okay, let’s talk KETO! Finding easy keto recipes that don’t taste like cardboard can be a struggle, right? I totally get it. That’s why I’m SO excited to share my recipe for keto sausage balls. Seriously, these little guys are a lifesaver.
They’re perfect for a quick breakfast when you’re running late, a satisfying snack to keep you going between meals, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Prep time is practically nothing!
Why You’ll Love These Keto Sausage Balls
Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why these keto sausage balls are about to become your new go-to:
Quick and Easy
We’re talking minimal prep and cook time. I mean, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? Not me! You can whip these up in, like, 25 minutes flat!
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch on Sunday and you’re set for the week! They’re awesome to grab from the fridge, or even the freezer. Hello, easy breakfasts!
Delicious Flavor
Salty sausage, melty cheddar… need I say more? It’s a savory, cheesy explosion in your mouth. Trust me, even your non-keto friends will devour these.
Versatile
Breakfast, snack, appetizer – these keto sausage balls do it all! Seriously, they’re perfect for any occasion. I’ve even been known to eat them for dinner (don’t judge!).
Keto-Friendly
Yep, they fit perfectly into your ketogenic diet. No guilt here! These little guys are packed with flavor and protein, and super low in carbs. Winning!
Ingredients for Keto Sausage Balls
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to make these magical keto sausage balls. Here’s the lineup:
- 16 oz ground sausage – I usually go for a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick!
- 4 oz shredded cheddar – Sharp cheddar is my fav, but you do you!
- 4 oz cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened, or you’ll have a lumpy mess (oops, been there!).
- 1/4 cup coconut flour – This keeps them low carb, so don’t skip it!
- Large egg – Gotta bind everything together, right?
- 1/2 tsp salt – Add more to taste, if you’re feeling sassy!
Don’t worry, we’ll chat about substitutions and fancy upgrades later. For now, grab these basics, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Keto Sausage Balls
Okay, pay attention, because this is where the magic happens! These keto sausage balls are seriously easy to make, but I’ll walk you through every step so you get them perfect every time! Don’t worry, I’ve made my share of kitchen “experiments” (some more successful than others!), so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First things first, crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper – it makes cleanup SO much easier and keeps the sausage balls from sticking. Nobody wants a stuck sausage ball!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl (I like using my big stainless steel one!), toss in the ground sausage, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, coconut flour, egg, and salt. Get your hands in there and mix everything together until it’s all evenly combined. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy – it’s part of the fun! Just make sure you don’t overmix it; we’ll talk about that more later.
Step 3: Form the Keto Sausage Balls
Time to roll! Grab a small amount of the sausage mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Aim for about 30 sausage balls, and try to make them all roughly the same size so they bake evenly. A little smaller or bigger won’t hurt, though. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are cooked through and golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can be sneaky, and you don’t want them to burn! They’re done when they’re firm to the touch and the sausage is cooked all the way through. Let them cool slightly before devouring… or not! I won’t judge.
Tips for the Best Keto Sausage Balls
Want to take your keto sausage balls to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my secret weapons for sausage ball perfection!
Don’t Overmix
Seriously, resist the urge to beat the heck out of the mixture! Overmixing makes the sausage tough. Just gently combine everything until it’s *just* mixed. Think delicate, not demolition!
Even Baking
Wanna be a pro? Use a small ice cream scoop to portion out the sausage balls. This makes them all the same size, so they bake evenly. No more burnt bottoms and raw middles! Genius, right?
Check for Doneness
The best way to know if your keto sausage balls are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut one open to peek inside. No pink allowed!
Adjust Seasoning
Before you start rolling, taste a tiny bit of the sausage mixture (raw sausage, I know, live a little!). Does it need more salt? A pinch of pepper? Now’s your chance to customize the flavor!
Keto Sausage Balls Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe, right? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and spice things up! These keto sausage balls are super versatile, so feel free to experiment and make them your own!
Spice it Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little kick! Trust me, it’s SO good if you like a little heat!
Cheese Variations
Cheddar’s great, but don’t be afraid to try other cheeses! Mozzarella gives them a milder flavor, pepper jack adds some zing, and Colby Jack is always a crowd-pleaser. Go wild!
Herb Infusion
Fresh herbs can take these keto sausage balls to the next level! Try adding some chopped rosemary or thyme to the mixture for a more sophisticated flavor. Yum!
Protein Swaps
Not a sausage fan? No problem! You can easily substitute ground beef, chicken, or turkey for the sausage. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Sausage Balls
Alright, you’ve got a batch of golden-brown keto sausage balls… now what? Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve ’em up!
Dipping Sauces
Everything’s better with dip, right? I love serving these with keto-friendly ranch dressing, some spicy mustard, or even a low-carb marinara sauce. So good!
Side Dishes
Need a complete meal? Serve these keto sausage balls with a side salad for a light lunch, or pair them with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. Boom!
Storing and Reheating Your Keto Sausage Balls
Made a big batch of keto sausage balls? Awesome! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious for later!
Refrigeration
These little guys will happily hang out in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just pop them in an airtight container, and you’re good to go!
Freezing
Want to keep them even longer? Freeze ’em! Spread the cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze them solid. Then, toss them into a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Need a quick snack? Microwave ’em for about a minute. For a crispier texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Sausage Balls
Got questions about these little keto wonders? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my keto sausage balls:
Can I make keto sausage balls ahead of time?
Heck yeah! These are AMAZING for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got breakfast or snacks ready to grab all week long. So convenient!
Are keto sausage balls good for you?
Well, they’re not a health food, but they *can* be part of a balanced keto diet! They’re packed with protein and healthy fats, just remember everything in moderation, okay?
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! I usually use Italian sausage, but you can use any ground sausage you like – breakfast sausage, chorizo, even turkey sausage! Get creative!
What is the best way to store keto sausage balls?
Pop ’em in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Easy peasy!
Are keto sausage balls gluten-free?
Yep, they sure are! As long as you use gluten-free ingredients like coconut flour (which we do!), these sausage balls are totally gluten-free. Woohoo!
Keto Sausage Balls Nutritional Information
Okay, quick disclaimer: nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general estimate, not a precise calculation. Just sayin’!
Enjoy Your Keto Sausage Balls!
Alright, that’s it! Go make these keto sausage balls – you won’t regret it! And hey, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Share your pics on social media too!
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Devilish Keto Sausage Balls: 5-Star, 25-Minute Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
Enjoy these easy and delicious keto sausage balls, perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 16 oz ground sausage
- 4 oz shredded cheddar
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all the ingredients and form into 30 balls.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
- These sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, microwave for 1 minute or bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
- Freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Sausage can be swapped for ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Cheddar cheese can be switched out for mozzarella, pepper jack, or colby jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Sodium: 571.1mg
- Fat: 16.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 2.9g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Protein: 12.2g
- Cholesterol: 61.7mg