Cheesy Italian Sausage Bites
These Cheesy Italian Sausage Bites are the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. They are incredibly easy to prepare and full of flavor, combining savory sausage and melty cheese into bite-sized morsels. Serve them with a side of plum sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Ideal for meal prep, these bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven, or even frozen for future enjoyment. With approximately 30-35 bites per batch, they’re an excellent option for parties, game days, or quick snacks. Adjust the heat by choosing spicy sausage or omitting cayenne based on your preference. For the best results, use Bisquick brand baking mix to ensure the ideal texture.
N/A
Servings
48
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (removed from casings)
Butter or oil
3-4 tablespoons (for cooking)
Cayenne pepper
1/8-1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Cheddar cheese
1 lb (finely grated)
Bisquick baking mix
2 cups (measure exactly)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Remove the Italian sausage from its casings and crumble it into a skillet.
3
In the skillet, melt 3 to 4 tablespoons of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking the sausage into fine pieces until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the finely grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is well mixed and begins to melt from the heat of the sausage.
5
Add the Bisquick baking mix to the sausage and cheese mixture, using a wooden spoon to combine until a dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oil as needed to achieve the right consistency.
6
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then use your hands to shape it into 1-inch balls (or slightly larger if desired). It’s okay if they are not perfectly rounded.
7
Grease a baking sheet and place the formed balls on it, spacing them apart to allow room for baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have puffed slightly.
9
Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes before transferring them from the baking sheet to avoid breaking.
Nutrition Information
3.4g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
2.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Italian Sausage Bites?
They are savory, bite-sized appetizers made with Italian sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix.
How many sausage bites does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 30-35 bites per batch.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should the sausage bites bake?
They should bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing?
Yes, remove the casing and cook the crumbled sausage in a skillet for 7-8 minutes before mixing.
What type of baking mix should I use?
For the best texture results, it is recommended to use Bisquick brand baking mix.
What should I do if the dough seems too dry?
If the mixture is dry, you can add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oil to reach the right consistency.
Can these sausage bites be frozen?
Yes, these bites can be frozen for future enjoyment and are excellent for meal prep.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of finely grated cheddar cheese.
How much Italian sausage is required?
You will need 1 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?
They are great with plum sauce or your favorite favorite dipping sauce.
Are these sausage bites spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted by choosing spicy sausage or adding 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How many calories are in one sausage bite?
Each bite contains approximately 48 calories.
What is the protein content per bite?
Each sausage bite provides about 2.2g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each bite contains approximately 3.4g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per bite?
There are about 2.5g of carbohydrates per sausage bite.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
What size should the sausage balls be?
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, though they can be slightly larger if desired.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should grease the baking sheet to prevent the bites from sticking.
How should I stir the cheese into the sausage?
Stir the cheese into the cooked sausage while it is still warm so the cheese begins to melt.
Can I reheat these after they have cooled?
Yes, they can be reheated in the oven after they have been prepared and stored.
Should the cheese be finely grated?
Yes, finely grated cheddar cheese is recommended for better integration into the dough.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: Italian sausage, butter or oil, cayenne pepper, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Should I let them cool before moving them?
Yes, let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to avoid breaking them.
What tool is recommended for mixing the dough?
A wooden spoon is recommended for combining the baking mix with the sausage and cheese.
Can I use butter or oil for cooking the sausage?
Yes, you can use 3 to 4 tablespoons of either butter or oil in the skillet.
Are these suitable for game days?
Absolutely, they are an excellent option for parties, gatherings, or game days.
How much Bisquick is needed?
The recipe requires exactly 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they are ideal for meal prep and can be made in advance and reheated.