Sausage balls: 25 to 35 minutes (makes 20)

It’s the season for cookouts and family gatherings in the backyard! if you’re looking to feed a small crowd, these cheesy sausage balls are perfect. It’s a simple recipe that won’t dissappoint, and you can make easy swaps to lighen up the calories.

I usually pick chicken sausage instead of pork. Ground chicken is much lower in fat than pork sausage, contributing to a healthier final product. It has a very mild flavor on its own, which makes it excellent for absorbing the flavors of the cheese and any added seasonings.

You can brown and crumble the ground chicken before incorporating it into the recipe. It’s often sold unseasoned, so be prepared to add your own spices (fennel, sage, garlic powder, etc.) to give it that “sausage” flavor. You can find pre-seasoned ground chicken sausage in some stores to reduce the prep time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb group sausage (pork, turkey, chicken or plant based)
• 2 cups of Bisquick
• 4 cups of shredded cheddar
• 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, leave some for garnishing
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 pinch of salt
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together the sausage meat of your choice, Bisquick, cheddar, parsley, and paprika until combined and season with salt and pepper.
2. Scoop: Using a small cookie scoop, place tablespoon-size balls onto the baking sheet.
3. Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of each ball with the olive oil and bake until golden brown, around 25 minutes.