This is a classic recipe.
I dare say famous.
It's also about one the easiest things you can make with only three ingredients!
Ingredients:
2 cups Bisquick
1 lb of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb of ground pork sausage
There are many versions out there. Some have cream cheese, mixtures of cheeses, other ingredients and they are all fine. But I grew up on this original simple recipe and it's my favorite. My parents used to make these every year at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas.
Because they are so easy, I'm not sure why it was only at those holidays that we got to have them. I say enjoy and eat them whenever you have a hankering, ha!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, mix together the Bisquick, sausage and shredded cheddar. Please note, pre-shredded bag cheese does not work as well in these. It makes it too dry. Also, you can use any brand of sausage and you can use any kind; spicy, mild, maple, whatever you like. Again this is just the classic original recipe from Bisquick and growing up, we always used Jimmy Dean regular.
I made these twice at the holidays. The first time I put everything in a bowl, put on some kitchen gloves and mixed it all up just like making a meatloaf. The second time I did it in the Kitchenaid mixer with the paddle attachment. So much easier (but more to clean of course, ha). After mixing, if it seems too dry (this can vary depending on the sausage moisture content, cheese, etc) you can add up to 1/4 cup milk (a little at a time) to loosen it up. The first batch this year I used about a TBSP of milk and the second time none. Just like any baking, the humidity in the air can affect it.
Roll into balls, some say golf ball size, some say ping pong ball size. Not sure if there's a different in that size, ha, but just roll them up and place on a parchment (or foil) lined baking sheet. No need for greasing it, the sausage will provide that.
Pop in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sausage is fully cooked and they are golden.
They are wonderful when done. 2nd Man didn't have the pleasure of growing up with these like I did so the first time he ever had them, he said they reminded him of having a sausage and cheese biscuit. Let's just cut to the chase...in a pretty literal sense, that IS what they are; a leavened flour biscuit with sausage and cheese. It's just all mixed together into one glorious package.
heh heh heh, you said "balls".
ReplyDeleteI don't eat sausage, but I could substitute pork roll (a philly thing) or bacon bits.
These R Delicious! I make these all the time; probably more than I should.
ReplyDeleteI do make mine just a tad different tho.
I do use the same ingredients as you have listed but I also use finely chopped onion along with finely diced celery, a bit of garlic powder and then my other special ingredient...........Cream Cheese that has been softened.
I don't do this, but if you want just a little extra kick; add some chopped up pickled jalapeno.
I make separate patch for our son-in-law and use the Hot sausage & extra hot jalapenos. Me, I go for the mild all the way.
These also freeze well. Placing the balls on sheet pan and place in the freezer until completely frozen and then put in freezer bags and pop in the freezer for later use.
I knew there was something else that I had forgotten, and that is sometimes I have used Johnsonville Mild Italian sausage in place of the pork sausage only because I didn't have the pork sausage on hand at the time.
DeleteI've never heard of these before. How I ever missed them with all the "fast & easy" recipe magazines & cookbooks I've had over the years, I'll never know. And they freeze well too? Where's my grocery list....
ReplyDeleteGeez ... I have some JD Maple sausage, Bisquick, and some block cheddar cheese ... I may have to try this! Any Bisquick I have is usually for biscuits ... as in biscuits & sausage gravy! My fav!!!
ReplyDeleteIF you like those, you might like this version-more sausage than breading, but with the apple-so, so good. I use generic sausage usually and taste just as fine. I didn't put nuts because I didn't have and I don't think they were missed. https://www.jimmydean.com/recipes/appetizers/maple-sausage-apple-cheese-balls/
ReplyDeleteDo you serve these as an appetizer or as a main course? They look delicious!
ReplyDeleteMe; I always would used them as an appetizer / snack and having a cute little tooth pick holder for toothpicks; along with other appetizers/ finger foods set up on my large dining table for everyone to help themselves.
DeleteI mostly served these during Super Bowl Sunday, any and all holidays, gatherings, World Series; basically anytime really, rather just a small gathering or large gatherings. They really go over very well.
At one time I had made right around 5 doz. and none where left.
I was taking these to a party once and my children wanted some. They got one. They were still begging for more. I told them that they should go to sleep and I would make more for their breakfast. Husband was scandalized that I would feed children party food. I tried to reason with him--just sausage and cheese biscuit. He never was convinced. I did this several times a year for my children.
ReplyDeleteA woman brings these to a church breakfast but puts so much more Bisquik that you gag on the flouriness.
I'm going to have to pin or bookmark this recipe. I just purchased ground pork, not sausage. Wonder if that will work too?
ReplyDeleteMmm, these look so delicious! I have to put these ingredients on my grocery list.
ReplyDeleteClassic comfort food!
ReplyDeleteOk! I'm going to have to try that!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of these but sounds wonderrful. I'll have to copy off the recipe. Thanks ... hope you all remain healthy!! I am so happy I lucked into my first vaccine last evening ... the pharmacy called, they had one more shot left in the vial. And I got the appointment for 2nd shot in 4 weeks!! Woo hoo!!!
ReplyDeleteTake my advice,spray the heck out of the pan!
ReplyDelete