If you’re craving something outrageously cheesy, savory, and perfect for just about any occasion, Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan are about to become your new go-to recipe. These golden, bite-sized beauties are packed with zesty sausage and two kinds of melty cheese, finished with a hint of garlic and onion for extra flavor. Whether you serve them at a party, as a quick snack, or even as breakfast on the go, their bold southern flavors and eye-catching cheese-speckled look always steal the show. They’re simple to make, so deliciously moreish, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash!

Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan comes from a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in taste, color, and texture. With a few pantry staples and your favorite sausage, you’ll have the makings of a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in no time.

Ground pork sausage (1 pound): Opt for mild for a classic experience or pick spicy for a little kick; it brings richness and the main flavor of the balls.
All-purpose baking mix (1 1/4 cups): This acts as the binder, ensuring every ball holds together with a tender, just-right crumb.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Delivers gooey melt and those irresistible orange flecks throughout every bite.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds nutty depth and those signature “speckles” that make these balls truly special.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and a savory undertone.
Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a hint of sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A dash turns up the savor with a little understated heat.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Just enough to help things come together as you mix—don’t skip it!

How to Make Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan won’t stick, and they’ll get that irresistible crispy base every time.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your ground sausage, baking mix, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and milk. Roll up your sleeves and mix everything by hand—it’s messy but gives you the perfect, evenly blended mixture for smooth rolling later on.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Pinch off about a tablespoon of the cheesy sausage mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. This is where you’ll start seeing how lovely the cheddar and Parmesan specs look—making the name Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan truly come to life. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your tray of sausage balls into the preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden-brown all over and cooked safely through. The cheese should be bubbling slightly and the aroma as they bake is pure comfort food heaven.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, let the Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait—they’ll smell amazing!). Transfer to a serving platter, pair with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch how quickly they disappear.

How to Serve Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan

Garnishes

Add a final flourish by sprinkling over a little fresh chopped parsley or chives for color, or an extra dusting of Parmesan for even more savory flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, a few swirls of sriracha or a side of tangy homemade ranch add a pop of both flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Since Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan are hearty and flavorful, they shine alongside crisp veggie sticks, a refreshing salad, or a bowl of homemade coleslaw. For brunch spreads, serve them beside scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes for a playful party platter, nestling them in little muffin cups for easy grab-and-go bites, or topping mini waffles for a flavorful brunch twist. However you display them, their cheese-speckled good looks mean they’ll always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days—though leftovers rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, shape the sausage balls and freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This makes it easy to bake just what you need, straight from the freezer. Bake them directly from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the cook time and check for golden perfection.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your leftovers back in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that irresistible crispy exterior, so the oven really is best.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage are both great lean alternatives. Expect a slightly lighter flavor profile, and try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or extra herbs if you want a richer, deeper taste.

What baking mix works best for Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan?

Bisquick is the classic choice, but any all-purpose baking mix should do the trick. Just double check for salt and leavening agents so the texture stays light and tender.

Can I make the sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! Mix and roll the Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so they’re piping hot and perfectly crisp.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular baking mix for a good-quality gluten-free blend. Everything else in the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get the same cheesy, savory goodness.

What sauces pair best with these sausage balls?

Classic ranch and honey mustard are always a hit, but zesty marinara, spicy chipotle aioli, or even a sweet chili dip can offer a fun flavor twist for your Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who loves bold, cheesy flavors in tidy, shareable bites, Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan are a true treat. Whether you make them for parties, brunches, or quick snacks, their crispy edges and gooey centers always delight. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see just how quickly they become a staple in your kitchen!

Balls Speckled with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 36 sausage balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Golden-Brown Sausage Balls, speckled with cheddar and Parmesan, are a delightful appetizer or snack perfect for any gathering. The savory blend of sausage and cheeses makes them a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sausage, baking mix, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and milk. Mix well.
Form sausage balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.