Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that will impress your guests at your next party? Look no further than the sausage cheese ball recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy richness of cheese, creating a perfect balance that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal event, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
What makes the sausage cheese ball recipe so special is its simplicity. You won’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. All you need are a few key ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The combination of flavors is what truly sets this dish apart, making it a must-try for any cheese ball enthusiast.
Let’s dive into the details of the sausage cheese ball recipe. To start, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of Italian sausage, casing removed
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
– 1/4 cup of diced red onion
– 1/4 cup of diced black olives
– 1/4 cup of pimentos
– 1/4 cup of diced celery
– 1/4 cup of Italian parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of sour cream
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the sausage cheese ball. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheeses, diced vegetables, olives, pimentos, celery, and parsley. Add the cooled sausage to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cheese and vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or a sheet of parchment paper, and shape it into a ball. If you’re using parchment paper, you can wrap the ball tightly and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re using a baking dish, bake the sausage cheese ball for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once the sausage cheese ball is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with crackers, bread, or even slices of baguette. This dish is perfect for dipping and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
So, the next time you’re in need of a fantastic appetizer, don’t forget to try the sausage cheese ball recipe. Its unique blend of flavors and easy preparation make it a must-have for any cheese ball lover. Enjoy your party and the deliciousness of this mouthwatering dish!