Savory Turkey Sausage Bites

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Our turkey sausage balls aren’t just an appetizer; they’re a revelation of flavor and convenience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

1. Incredibly Simple with Just 5 Ingredients:
   You read that right! These tender, tasty, and wonderfully healthy turkey sausage balls require only five core ingredients, and a remarkable three of them are cheeses! This minimalist ingredient list doesn’t just make shopping easier; it ensures a straightforward cooking process with maximum flavor payoff.
2. Effortless to Double or Even Triple for Any Crowd:
   Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large party, this recipe scales beautifully. Need to feed a small group? Stick to the base recipe. Expecting a big crowd? Simply double or triple the ingredients, and you’ll have plenty of savory bites to go around without adding significant complexity to your prep time. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
3. A Highlight Among Our Favorite Bisquick Creations:
   The foundation of this incredible recipe is the versatile Bisquick baking mix. If you’re a regular visitor here, you know our deep affection for this kitchen staple. While many typically associate Bisquick with fluffy banana pancakes or quick biscuits, its utility extends far beyond. It acts as the perfect binder, creating that signature tender texture in our sausage balls. Plus, for those who love a good DIY project and saving money, we’ve got you covered with our simple homemade Bisquick recipe. Making your own mix ensures you always have it on hand and can even customize it to your preferences.

Beyond these fantastic points, the sheer efficiency of this recipe is a game-changer. You can whip up a generous batch of turkey sausage balls in just about 30 minutes, allowing you to serve some immediately and freeze the rest for future enjoyment. This strategic approach means you’re always just a quick bake away from a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for unexpected guests or busy weeknights.

The magic of these turkey sausage balls lies in the quality and balance of just a few key ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Ground Turkey Sausage: We often reach for the Jennie-O brand due to its consistent quality and flavor, but any good quality ground turkey sausage will work beautifully. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider opting for a “hot” version of turkey sausage to add an exciting kick to your appetizer. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, a sweet Italian ground turkey sausage can also be a delicious choice.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is where a significant part of the savory depth comes from. Extra sharp cheddar provides a wonderfully tangy and robust cheesy flavor that stands out. However, if sharp cheddar isn’t your preference, Colby or Monterey Jack cheeses are excellent alternatives, offering a milder, creamier melt that still complements the turkey perfectly. The key here is to choose a cheese you love that melts well.
• Bisquick Baking Mix: Essential for binding all the ingredients together and contributing to the sausage balls’ tender interior. Bisquick ensures a consistent texture that’s neither too dense nor too crumbly. If your pantry is out of Bisquick, don’t fret! You can easily whip up your own homemade baking mix using flour, baking powder, shortening, and salt. It’s a great way to save a trip to the store and customize your mix.
• Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient for an incredibly moist and rich turkey sausage ball. Full-fat cream cheese will yield the most luxurious flavor and texture, ensuring your sausage balls remain tender and don’t dry out during baking. For those seeking a healthier turkey meatball option, a low-fat or Neufchâtel version works well, offering moisture without as much richness. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adding grated Parmesan provides an extra layer of savory, umami flavor. Its aged, nutty notes enhance the overall cheese profile and, crucially, helps to prevent the meatballs from becoming chewy or dry. It’s a subtle but significant contributor to the perfect texture and taste.
• Optional: Green Onion (Green Tops Only): A fantastic addition for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Finely sliced green tops can be mixed in with the other ingredients, adding a touch of herbaceousness that brightens the entire dish.

🎯 Pro Tip for Ultimate Freshness!

For the absolute best texture and to prevent your sausage balls from cracking or drying out, resist the urge to use pre-shredded cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can affect how they melt and bind. We highly recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final quality of your sausage balls!

🎯 Smart Freezer Strategy!

Keep a stash of frozen turkey sausage balls in your freezer, either unbaked or baked! These are incredibly versatile. You can add them directly to slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes for a quick boost of protein and flavor. They also make fantastic additions to pasta sauces for an effortless weeknight dinner. Having them on hand means a delicious meal or appetizer is always just minutes away.

• Arrange the unbaked turkey sausage balls on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least 1 inch apart. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store flat in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When ready, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are very cold.

• Flash Freezing (for unbaked balls): Arrange the unbaked sausage balls at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Place the uncovered baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the balls are completely solid. This step prevents them from clumping together.
• Once flash-frozen, transfer the solid sausage balls to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Label with the date.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, we recommend freezing them uncooked, as they tend to be moister when thawed and freshly baked compared to reheating pre-cooked balls.
• Freezing Baked Sausage Balls: Allow fully baked sausage balls to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Reheat as needed.

🎯 Important Internal Temperature Check!

For food safety and optimal enjoyment, always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey sausage balls before serving. They should reach a safe internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit (74°C). This is especially crucial when reheating previously cooked or frozen balls.

The most common culprits for crumbly sausage balls are using low-fat cheeses or pre-shredded cheeses. Low-fat cheeses contain less moisture and fat, which are crucial for binding. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent proper melting and cohesion, leading to a dry, crumbly texture. For the best results, always use full-fat cheeses and shred them yourself from a block!

Cooked turkey sausage balls will appear lightly golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. However, the most reliable way to ensure doneness (and food safety) is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of a sausage ball; it should register a minimum internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit (74°C).

While you can freeze them both ways, freezing uncooked turkey sausage balls generally yields a fresher, moister result when they are eventually thawed and baked. The texture and flavor tend to be superior compared to reheating pre-cooked frozen balls, which can sometimes dry out. Refer to our “Make-Ahead & Freezer Storage Instructions” above for detailed freezing tips.

To reheat frozen, unbaked sausage balls: Let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, then bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill. To reheat frozen, baked sausage balls: You can place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, for a super convenient meal, you can add frozen, unbaked or baked sausage balls straight into a slow cooker or Instant Pot with some homemade marinara dipping sauce or other broth/sauce and cook until heated and tender!

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for ground turkey for a leaner profile, you can certainly experiment with other ground meats. Ground pork sausage (hot or mild), ground chicken, or even a mix of ground beef and pork would work well. Adjust baking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.

The possibilities are endless! Classic choices include a zesty BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, honey mustard, or a simple ketchup. For something different, try a sweet and sour sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a vibrant marinara. Don’t forget our recommended shawarma white sauce for a unique twist!

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Turkey Sausage Balls

Renae Gerhardstein