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