Cheddar Sausage Balls with Queso Dip
	
		Savory cheddar sausage balls paired with a warm, creamy queso dip deliver a delightful appetizer experience. Crispy on the outside and cheesy within, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Mariem
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 20 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 35 minutes
 
							- Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizer
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Halal
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
 
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
 
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit mix (e.g., Bisquick)
 
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)
 
- 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar (optional)
 
- For queso dip:
 
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack)
 
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
 
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
 
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon each chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 
- In a mixing bowl, combine sausage, cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, and parsley (if using). Mix well and shape into 1-inch balls.
 
- Place sausage balls 1 inch apart on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
 
- While baking, prepare queso dip: Melt shredded cheese with milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
 
- Add diced tomatoes and chilies along with optional spices. Continue stirring until warm and creamy.
 
- Transfer sausage balls to a serving platter and serve with warm queso dip in the center. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use spicy sausage or chopped jalapeños for heat.
 
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
 
- Use gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour for gluten-sensitive guests.
 
- Enhance flavor with green onions or chives.
 
- Try alternate dips like mustard sauce, marinara, or ranch.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls + 2 tbsp queso
 
							- Calories: 320
 
							- Sugar: 2g
 
							- Sodium: 580mg
 
							- Fat: 25g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 10g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 8g
 
							- Fiber: 0g
 
							- Protein: 16g
 
							- Cholesterol: 60mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: sausage balls, cheddar appetizer, queso dip, party food, game day snacks, make-ahead appetizer