20 Southern Living Recipe For Sausage Balls Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 21, 2024
Sausage balls are a quintessential Southern dish that have become a staple at holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. But what makes the perfect sausage ball recipe? Let's take a closer look at the elements that make up the best Southern living recipe for sausage balls.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
Kick things off with a Southern twist on traditional grits. This recipe from Southern Living adds a bit of heat with jalapenos and a touch of creaminess with cheese. The result is a perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken.
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A Southern Living Preview
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
For a taste of classic Southern flavors, try this recipe from Southern Living. This recipe uses a mix of spices and herbs to create a flavorful rub for the chicken. And of course, the beer can adds an extra layer of moisture to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
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Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie Southern Living
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Piecrusts, Toasted Pecans, Semisweet
Take your beer can chicken to the sweet side with this recipe from Southern Living. The combination of chocolate and bourbon adds a unique twist to this classic dish, and the pecans give it a satisfying crunch. It's the perfect dish for a special occasion or to impress your guests at a barbecue.
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Super Bowl Appetizer's - Everyday Southern Living
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Sharp White Cheddar, Gouda, Evaporated Milk
Hosting a Super Bowl party? This beer can chicken recipe from Everyday Southern Living is perfect for feeding a crowd. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, and the beer adds a touch of flavor and moisture. Serve it as an appetizer or as the main dish for your game day spread.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
No meal is complete without the perfect side dish, and these mashed potatoes from Southern Living are just that. Creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor, they are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Plus, they are so easy to make, you'll want to add them to your regular rotation of side dishes.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
What's better than beer can chicken? Beer can chicken with a side of peach cobbler for dessert. This recipe from Southern Living is a breeze to make and is the perfect way to end a summer barbecue. The combination of sweet peaches, warm spices, and a buttery crust is simply irresistible.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
This beer can chicken recipe from country music star Martina McBride is a must-try. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. Serve it with tortilla chips, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
Looking to add some spice to your beer can chicken? These firecrackers from Southern Living are the perfect solution. The chicken is coated in a fiery rub made with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. The result is a deliciously spicy chicken that will leave your taste buds tingling.
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Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
For a taste of New Orleans, try this beer can chicken recipe from Southern Living. This jambalaya is packed with chicken, sausage, and a mix of veggies and spices that will transport you straight to the French Quarter. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This recipe from Southern Living is a tried and true favorite, with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate comfort food dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes, Sharp Cheddar Cheese
What do you get when you combine mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon? These delicious fried mashed potato balls from Southern Living. These savory bites are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Coconut Balls
Main Ingredients: Slivered Almonds, Almond Butter, Almond Extract
For a tropical twist on beer can chicken, try these coconut balls from Southern Living. These bite-sized treats are made with coconut, cream cheese, and pecans for a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor. Serve them as a dessert or a sweet snack alongside your main course.
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Ginger Bourbon Balls
Main Ingredients: Gingersnaps, Granulated Sugar, Crystallized Ginger
For a boozy treat, these ginger bourbon balls from Southern Living are a must-try. Made with ginger snaps, pecans, and of course, bourbon, these bite-sized balls are the perfect way to end a meal. And they pair perfectly with a cold beer and some juicy beer can chicken.
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Oreo Cookie Balls
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, White Chocolate Chips
For all the cookie lovers out there, these Oreo cookie balls from Southern Living are a dream come true. Made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate chips, these decadent balls are a delicious treat that everyone will love. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet and savory pairing.
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Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktail
Main Ingredients: Limeade, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice
Not a fan of beer? No problem! This non-alcoholic margarita mocktail from Southern Living is the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing and citrusy drink without the alcohol. It's a great alternative to beer and pairs perfectly with any beer can chicken recipe.
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One-pan Pasta With Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Sausage, Cremini Mushrooms, Unsalted
Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal? This one-pan pasta recipe from Southern Living has got you covered. The chicken sausage, mushrooms, and herbs add a delicious and hearty flavor to this dish, making it the perfect pairing for beer can chicken.
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Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork Sausage, All Purpose Baking Mix, Cheese
For a unique twist on the classic sausage ball, try this recipe from Southern Living. The addition of pimiento cheese gives these balls a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside your main dish for a tasty meal.
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Chocolate-Bourbon-Fudge Balls
Main Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars, Chocolate Baking
Combine two classic Southern flavors with these chocolate-bourbon-fudge balls from Southern Living. The richness of the chocolate combined with the boldness of the bourbon creates a decadent and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious pairing.
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Turkey Panini
Main Ingredients: Pepper Jelly, White Bread Slices, Roast Turkey, Kosher
For a lighter option, try this turkey panini recipe from Everyday Southern Living. The combination of turkey, cheese, and herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken from your meal.
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No-Bake Eagle Cookie Balls
Main Ingredients: Oreos, Cream Cheese, Candy Melts, Sweetened Shredded
For a fun and easy dessert, try these no-bake eagle cookie balls from Southern Living. Made with chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows, these balls are a fun and tasty treat that everyone will love. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious end to your meal.
The Importance of the Right Sausage
Sausage
When it comes to sausage balls, the type and quality of the sausage used is crucial. For the best results, it is recommended to use a high-quality, fresh pork sausage with a medium to hot spice level. This will give your sausage balls a rich and flavorful taste that can't be replicated with pre-cooked or processed sausage.
Seasonings
In addition to the sausage itself, the seasonings used in the recipe can greatly impact the final product. Most traditional Southern recipes call for a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to be added to the sausage before forming into balls. However, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to give your sausage balls a unique kick.
Binding Agents
Cheese
Another key ingredient in a perfect sausage ball recipe is cheese. Not only does it add flavor, but it also acts as a binding agent to hold the balls together. The most commonly used cheese in sausage balls is cheddar, but you can also use other types of cheese like monterey jack, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a more gourmet twist.
Breadcrumbs
Some recipes also call for breadcrumbs to be added to the mixture for additional binding power. This is especially helpful if your sausage is on the leaner side and may not have enough fat to hold the balls together. You can use plain breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers to add a bit of crunch and flavor to your sausage balls.
The Perfect Baking Method
Baking vs. Frying
While some may argue that frying is the only way to achieve crispy and flavorful sausage balls, baking them is a healthier and easier alternative. To ensure that your sausage balls come out perfectly golden brown and cooked through, it is important to preheat your oven and use a baking rack or parchment paper to allow for proper air circulation.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for sausage balls can vary depending on the size and thickness of the balls. It is recommended to bake them for 15-20 minutes at 375°F, but be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the time accordingly.
In conclusion, the perfect Southern living recipe for sausage balls requires high-quality sausage, flavorful seasonings, binding agents like cheese and breadcrumbs, and careful attention to the baking method and cooking time. With these tips in mind, you can create delicious and crowd-pleasing sausage balls that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Now, it's time to get cooking and enjoy this classic Southern dish!
