If you are looking for a delicious, low-carb appetizer that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends, the Keto Sausage Balls Recipe is an absolute must-try. These savory little bites are packed with cheese, sausage, and just the right balance of spices, creating a perfect combination of flavor and texture. Not only are they quick and simple to whip up, but they also fit beautifully into a keto lifestyle while delivering comforting, hearty goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making these sausage balls both flavorful and satisfying. Each item plays a crucial role, from the richness of the cheeses to the moisture and structure the almond flour provides.
- 1 lb sausage cooked: Choose your favorite sausage for a foundation packed with juicy, savory flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 2 oz cream cheese: Brings creamy moisture to keep the balls tender and delicious.
- 2 tbsp parmesan: Offers a salty punch and a bit of umami depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder helping everything hold its shape.
- 1 cup almond flour: A low-carb alternative to traditional flour that gives the sausage balls a light but sturdy texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Provides just a touch of lift, making the sausage balls airy, not dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the richness of the cheese and sausage.
How to Make Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having your setup ready before you start mixing will keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and crumble the sausage into the pan. Cook until it’s fully browned and there’s no more pink showing. Then, drain the excess fat. This step is important to avoid greasy sausage balls and keep them firm but moist.
Step 3: Melt the Cheeses
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan. Microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds until everything is melted and smooth. Stir it well to create a creamy cheese mixture that will bind the ingredients wonderfully.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Add the egg, almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the melted cheese mixture. Stir these in thoroughly. Then fold in the cooked sausage and the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The combination should be well incorporated, forming a slightly sticky dough full of flavor.
Step 5: Form the Sausage Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping them uniform in size helps them bake evenly, giving you perfectly golden bites.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to look for a beautiful golden brown color on the outside, which signals that they are cooked through and ready to be devoured. Let them cool just slightly before serving.
How to Serve Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While these keto sausage balls are delicious on their own, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy flavor. You could also try topping them with a tiny dollop of low-carb mustard or a smear of your favorite sugar-free dipping sauce for a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pairing your sausage balls with crunchy celery sticks or sliced cucumber provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness. A side of mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon pairs beautifully, making your spread feel well-rounded and satisfying without breaking your carb goals.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try arranging your sausage balls on a festive platter with colorful vegetable sticks or in mini muffin liners to help everyone grab a bite easily. Alternatively, serve them with toothpicks and a trio of dips like ranch, sugar-free marinara, or a creamy guacamole for a fun, interactive appetizer station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sausage balls left over (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them a convenient snack or quick breakfast option.
Freezing
This Keto Sausage Balls Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply place the raw formed balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, giving you easy keto-friendly snacks ready to bake anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the sausage balls at 350ºF for about 8 to 10 minutes or warm them gently in the microwave. This keeps their outside crispy and the inside melty and warm, recapturing that freshly baked goodness with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and parmesan provide great flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda to personalize your sausage balls and keep things interesting.
Is it necessary to cook the sausage first?
Yes, cooking the sausage before mixing it with other ingredients ensures it’s fully cooked, releases excess fat, and prevents greasy sausage balls. It also gives you better control over flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since cheese plays a big role in both flavor and texture, but you could try using dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind it might affect the consistency, so some experimentation may be needed.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
Almond flour is key for keeping this recipe keto-friendly and low-carb. If you’re not following keto, you could substitute with regular flour or coconut flour, but expect texture and carb count changes.
How do I make the sausage balls spicier?
Add ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or spicy sausage to kick up the heat level while still enjoying the cheesy, savory goodness of this Keto Sausage Balls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Sausage Balls Recipe is a true game changer for anyone looking to enjoy low-carb, crowd-pleasing snacks without sacrificing flavor. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, these sausage balls will quickly become a kitchen favorite you’ll want to turn to again and again. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time!
Print
Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3.3 dozen (approximately 40 sausage balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Keto Sausage Balls are a savory, low-carb snack perfect for breakfast or anytime hunger strikes. Made with cooked sausage, melty cheeses, almond flour, and seasoned with baking powder and salt, they bake quickly to a golden brown perfection. Crispy on the outside and cheesy inside, these bite-sized treats are great for keto and low-carb diets.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided: ¼ cup + ¾ cup)
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients & Others
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the sausage balls moist but not greasy.
- Melt Cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and parmesan. Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until melted, then stir until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the egg, almond flour, baking powder, and salt to the melted cheese mixture. Stir in the cooked sausage and remaining ¾ cup cheddar cheese until everything is thoroughly combined into a dough.
- Form Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop and roll the dough into bite-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the sausage balls for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fully cooked sausage for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute the almond flour with coconut flour but use less as it’s more absorbent.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
- These sausage balls can be made ahead and frozen; reheat in the oven to serve.
- Make sure not to overbake, as they can dry out quickly.
