Recipes to Make with Kids: Sausage Balls

If you're from the South, you've likely had Sausage Balls at an event or party. They are SO delicious! Living here in Birmingham, Alabama, you can easily get frozen ones from Ashley Mac's Kitchen or the Tennessee Pride version in the freezer section at Wal-mart. Put them on a baking sheet, pop them in the oven, and everyone is in awe.

Freshly baked sausage balls cooling on a baking sheet

However, I've got a homemade recipe that is quick, easy, and equally yummy. They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack.

My recipe requires minimal ingredients and yields a whopping 24 count if you make them small enough.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I used gluten free flour, which works just as well)

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup shortening (I prefer the sticks of shortening)

• 1 pound ground pork sausage, cooked and cooled

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I don't measure, just pour in a whole bag)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (can sub garlic powder)

  
  

Directions

1. Prep:

   Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

   
   

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   In a food processor, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. Pulse it together for about 20 seconds or until everything is evenly mixed.

   
   

3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:

   Transfer the dry mixture to a large bowl. Use a fork to combine it with the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and Italian seasoning. The mixture should be cookie dough consistency.

   
   

4. Form the Biscuits:

   You can roll the dough by hand and form it into balls, or use a cookie scoop. I use a cookie scoop to keep my hands clean, plus, it's just fun to use. I recommend one of these cookie scoops on Amazon. You can choose your size preference, but a tablespoon size portion is standard. Just like with cookies, place the balls on the parchment-lined cookie sheet about two inches apart.

   
   

5. Bake:

   Place your cookie sheet in the oven and set the timer for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn a lovely golden brown on top.

   
   

Making It Fun: Involve the Kids!

Baking is an excellent way to bond with your kids and teach them kitchen skills. From measuring ingredients to mixing the dough, each step is an opportunity to teach them about cooking and following directions.

You can even take it a step further by letting them customize their Sausage Balls. Consider adding different types of cheese, or even vegetables like chopped green onions or bell peppers to the mix.

You can freeze any leftovers. Just pop them in a freezer bag and take them out as needed for a quick breakfast on the go.

Moon Rock Biscuits

At our Out of this World Baking Camp, we taught kids to make this recipe but called them Moon Rock Biscuits. I've placed them happily on the moon in this AI-generated photo. Ok, maybe it's a stretch to link sausage balls to the moon, but we needed a savory day at our three-day baking camp, between Milky Way Brownies on day 1 and Galaxy Swirl Cupcakes on day 3. It works, I think.

Moon Rock Biscuits

Whatever you call them, they are simply delicious.

If you're looking for more baking inspiration, check out Recipes to Make with Kids on our blog, or consider signing up your child for a baking class in your area.

Happy baking!