Are you searching for a keto-friendly recipe that's both simple to make and enjoyable for the entire family? Look no further than these keto sausage balls! Requiring only 5 ingredients plus seasoning, they serve as an excellent appetizer or snack, ready in 30 minutes or less. Their delicious taste will have you questioning whether they're truly keto-friendly. Whether or not everyone adheres to a keto diet, these cream cheese sausage balls are a must-have holiday appetizer, especially around Christmas, but they are perfect any time of the year. Like game day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These keto sausage balls closely resemble the classic Bisquick sausage balls in taste, boasting a rich flavor and ideal texture. This poppable appetizer is perfect for sharing with family, who will undoubtedly ask for more.
Key Features
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs, perfect for ketogenic diets.
- Gluten-Free: A great alternative to traditional Bisquick recipes.
- Nut-Free Option: Uses coconut flour, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Versatile: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal.
Developing the Perfect Recipe
The goal was to create a sausage ball recipe that had the right texture, lots of flavor, and a moist center without crumbling. Cream cheese was chosen to maintain moisture and bind the ingredients, including shredded cheese and coconut flour, together effectively.
The Magic of Coconut Flour
Coconut flour has become a popular ingredient in keto baking, especially for those with nut allergies. It requires less quantity than almond flour, making it a cost-effective and nut-free alternative.
Why Coconut Flour?
- Texture: Closest to actual flour in keto baking, providing great texture.
- Binding: Helps hold the sausage balls together.
- Low Carb: Keeps the carb count lower compared to almond flour.
- Nut-Free: An excellent option for those with nut allergies.
- Flavor: Rest assured that you cannot taste the coconut flour at all.
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
- Coconut Flour: Essential for keto baking, providing structure and texture.
- Hand-Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese due to added potato starch, which increases carbs. Hand-shredding ensures better taste and lower carb content. Sharp cheddar is recommended, but any type can be used, including parmesan.
- Cream Cheese: Use your favorite brand, making sure it’s room temperature and cubed for easy mixing. It adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose one with the lowest net carbs per serving.
- Breakfast Sausage: Inspect the ingredient label to avoid hidden sugars. Italian pork sausage, chicken, or turkey sausage can be used.
- Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of spices for flavor.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh for optimal baking results. Rumford is a recommended brand.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a delicious savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Sausage Balls
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F / 180°C.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix coconut flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add sausage, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese to the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is combined.
- Form the balls: Use a cookie scoop to form small balls (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them with your hands to make them round.
- Bake: Place the sausage balls on a parchment-lined, greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F / 180°C.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Sausage Balls
- Don't Overbake: Ensure the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through, but not overbaked to maintain moisture.
- Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheese for enhanced flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has additives.
- Evenly Size: Keep the sausage balls the same size for even cooking. A cookie scoop can help with this.
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls helps them hold their shape during baking.
Serving and Storing
- Serving: Add to your favorite serving tray and serve immediately.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Easily frozen for up to 3 months. Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Meat: Substitute sausage with ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Spices: Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Herbs and Vegetables: Toss in diced green onions or chopped jalapenos.
- Dairy: You can substitute cream cheese for the sour cream in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a variety of dipping sauces:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mustard
- Sugar-free honey mustard
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Sour cream
Air Fryer Option
You can also cook these keto sausage balls in an air fryer at 375°F for 8 minutes. Ensure they are in a single layer and not touching.
Meal Prep and Batch Cooking
These keto sausage balls are excellent for meal prep. Preparing meals and ingredients ahead of time simplifies decision-making and saves time. Batch cooking ensures you have a healthy, keto-friendly option ready to go, preventing the need to buy food on the go.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes approximately 30 sausage balls, with 10 servings of 3 balls each. The nutrition facts are calculated per serving of 3 sausage balls.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and heat for about 1 minute until warm.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, layer the sausage balls on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer container for up to 3 months.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much coconut flour: This can dry out the sausage balls.
- Overmixing: Overmixing can result in tough sausage balls. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Using old baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains added starch, which increases carbs.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto