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Apple Cheddar Sausage Balls
Apple Cheddar Sausage Balls are a holiday staple in my house. Every Christmas week I make these ahead of time, pop them in the freezer, then quickly reheat on the big day. These apple cheddar sausage balls can be found on our holiday table Christmas morning along side our holiday fruit salad, french toast casserole, and make ahead egg casserole with ham and green chilies. Does this seem like a lot? Maybe. But it is important to me and we also have enough leftover to eat the next day for breakfast as well. Honestly, after Christmas is over, I need a little break from cooking. I am happy to just ‘reheat food’ for a few days.
I realized when preparing for a Fox59 segment a few weeks ago that I actually have FOUR recipes on my site for sausage balls, all a bit different in some ways. This particular apple cheddar sausage balls recipe is pretty much my go to now. The cheddar plays nicely with the sausage and apple, the apple keeps the sausage balls moist. This is a simple recipe really, and one even your kids can help you with. Best of all it makes a lot. 48 if you make them small enough. That’s enough to enjoy AND freeze for later! I set out a little dish of sour cream or Greek yogurt topped with chopped chives to dip the apple cheddar sausage balls in. They are even good dipped in pure Indiana maple syrup!
Sherman, BJ and I at Indianapolis City Market.
Watch the quick segment HERE!
Like I mentioned, I made these on Fox59 in partnership with Indiana Grown. Indiana Grown in an initiative to get more Indiana produced foods in the hands of consumers, thus keeping more of our food (and money) in the state. I am a proud member and sharing our family favorite recipe with Sherman Burdette (the features host) in partnership with Indiana Grown was a real full circle moment for me. Sharing the food of Indiana and the stories of who worked so hard to get it to my family- that’s what this is all about!
These apple cheddar sausage balls are made with Tuttle Orchards apples, Fair Oaks Farms 1-year cheddar, Bisquick and ground pork sausage from my friend and Indiana pork farmer Heather Hill under The Pork Shoppe label. Please look for these names when shopping both locally and at larger stores like Marsh, Kroger and Market District. Keep an eye out for the Indiana Grown label!
Total Servings 48
Ingredients
- 2-16 oz packages of ground sausage of your choice. I used a mild, but you can use what you like
- 2 C of biscuit baking mix such as Bisquick
- 3 C of freshly shredded sharp cheddar
- 3/4 C finely diced unpeeled red apple
- 2 tsp black pepper
- pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and combine with your hands.
- Roll into 1″ balls and place on a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet.
- It may seem too dry but press when rolling and they will be just fine.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes at 375 degrees.
- You can make these ahead of time and freeze once cooled.
- Thaw when you need them and heat them until just warm in the oven set at 250 degrees.
