Savory Cheddar & Sausage Bites
Delight your guests with these Savory Cheddar & Sausage Bites, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage and aged cheddar cheese. These bite-sized treats are easy to make ahead of time—just prepare, freeze, and bake later for fresh-from-the-oven goodness. Optional additions like minced onions introduce a subtle depth to the flavor. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or casual gatherings, these irresistibly cheesy bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly, so make a double batch and keep some in your freezer for unexpected guests!
N/A
Servings
64
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bisquick baking mix
3 cups (measured exactly)
Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 1/2 lbs (uncooked)
Fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (minced (about 1 large clove, can use more))
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Old cheddar cheese
4 cups (finely shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Half-and-half cream or milk
1/2 cup (none)
Dried rosemary
1 pinch (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional or to taste)
Seasoning salt
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and uncooked Italian sausage meat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, shredded old cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and half-and-half or milk. Mix in a pinch of dried rosemary and black pepper.
3
Using your hands, thoroughly combine all ingredients until evenly mixed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with cayenne pepper and seasoning salt if desired.
4
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
5
If you wish to save some for later, freeze the shaped sausage balls on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to ziplock bags for future baking.
6
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7
Once baked, remove the sausage bites from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Insert toothpicks for easy serving.
8
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar & Sausage Bites?
They are a crowd-pleasing appetizer combining the flavors of Italian sausage and aged cheddar cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 11 ingredients total, including optional seasonings like cayenne pepper.
What is the main baking mix used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of Bisquick baking mix.
Does the sausage need to be cooked before mixing?
No, the Italian sausage should be uncooked when it is combined with the other ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I make these sausage bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the balls and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to ziplock bags for future baking.
How long do they need to bake?
Bake the sausage balls for approximately 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 4 cups of finely shredded old cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each sausage bite contains 4 grams of fat.
How many calories are in a single sausage bite?
There are 64 calories per sausage bite.
What is the serving size for the nutrition information?
The nutrition details are provided per bite, which includes 4g protein and 5g carbohydrates.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream or milk for the mixture.
What herbs are included in the mix?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of dried rosemary.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be adjusted with 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat.
What size should I make the sausage balls?
The mixture should be shaped into small balls that are about 1 inch in diameter.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
They are delicious when served with mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
How do I serve these for a party?
Transfer them to a serving platter and insert toothpicks for easy finger-food serving.
Can I add onions to the recipe?
Yes, the description suggests adding minced onions for a subtle depth of flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much garlic should be used?
Use 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic, which is approximately one large clove.
What type of sausage is specified?
The recipe uses 1.5 lbs of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
Are these good for game day?
Yes, they are tagged as a perfect party food for game day, holidays, or casual gatherings.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or you can add it to taste.
What should I do if the mixture is too bland?
You can adjust the seasoning with optional seasoning salt and cayenne pepper.
Can I use these as frozen snacks?
Yes, they are ideal for keeping in the freezer for unexpected guests.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet with foil and spray.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The ingredients list specifically calls for fresh parsley for the best results.
Is there any fiber in these bites?
The nutrition data indicates that the fiber content is null or zero.
Why should I use cooking spray on the foil?
Cooking spray is used to prevent the cheesy sausage balls from sticking to the foil during baking.