Keto Sausage Balls are a delightful low-carb snack that fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. These savory bites offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making them a popular choice for parties, gatherings, or as a quick and easy snack. The recipe is designed to be both straightforward and delicious, with minimal preparation and cooking time required.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just three main ingredients—ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and almond flour—you can create a batch of flavorful sausage balls that are both keto-friendly and irresistible. The ground sausage provides a savory base, the shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and a cheesy bite, and the almond flour helps bind the mixture together while keeping it low in carbs. Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or new to the diet, these sausage balls are a perfect addition to your meal plan.
Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground Sausage (1 pound, 450 grams):
- Use high-quality ground sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between regular or spicy sausage, depending on your taste preference. Ensure the sausage is uncooked and free from fillers that might increase the carb count.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, 200 grams):
- Opt for full-fat shredded cheddar cheese, which melts well and contributes a rich, creamy texture to the sausage balls. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Almond Flour (1 cup, 96 grams):
- Almond flour is a key ingredient in keto recipes due to its low carbohydrate content and ability to mimic the texture of traditional flours. Make sure to use finely ground almond flour to achieve a smooth and cohesive dough. Avoid almond meal, which is coarser and may affect the texture of the sausage balls.
These three ingredients combine to create a delicious, low-carb snack that fits seamlessly into a keto diet. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor, texture, and overall success of the recipe.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Mixture:
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the sausage balls will bake evenly and achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground sausage, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of almond flour. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended. The mixture should be cohesive and slightly sticky.
2. Form the Sausage Balls:
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- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps prevent the sausage balls from sticking to the sheet and makes for easier cleanup.
3. Bake and Cool Sausage Balls:
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- Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. They will firm up slightly as they cool, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
These steps will help you create perfectly cooked, flavorful keto sausage balls every time. Once the sausage balls have cooled slightly, transfer them to a serving platter and enjoy! These tasty bites are perfect as a savory snack or appetizer and can be paired with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they make a delicious and satisfying treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Keto Sausage Balls are a delectable and easy-to-make snack that fits perfectly into a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle. Combining ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and almond flour, this recipe delivers a savory, cheesy flavor with a satisfying texture. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich, meaty goodness and gooey cheese, making them a popular choice for parties, game days, or just as a quick, nutritious snack. Their simplicity and low-carb profile make them an ideal option for anyone following a keto diet or looking for a delicious, low-maintenance appetizer.
What sets Keto Sausage Balls apart is their ease of preparation and versatility. With just three main ingredients and a straightforward baking process, they are not only quick to prepare but also customizable. You can experiment with different types of cheese or add spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, these sausage balls maintain their flavor and texture, making them a convenient and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Keto Sausage Balls Nutrition Info
Here’s a basic nutrition table for the 3-ingredient Keto Sausage Balls, assuming the recipe makes 24 sausage balls and each ball is approximately 1 inch in size. The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands.
| Nutrient | Per Sausage Ball (approx. 1 inch) | Total Batch (24 balls) |
| Calories | 125 kcal | 3,000 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g | 168 g |
| Fat | 10 g | 240 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g | 48 g |
| Fiber | 1 g | 24 g |
| Net Carbs | 1 g | 24 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg | 840 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg | 9,600 mg |
Note: Calories and Nutritional Values are approximate and depend on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Net Carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates.
Here’s a consolidated nutrition table for each ingredient used in the Keto Sausage Balls recipe:
| Nutrient | Ground Sausage (1 pound / 450 grams) | Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups / 200 grams) | Almond Flour (1 cup / 96 grams) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1,160 kcal | 800 kcal | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 68 g | 50 g | 24 g |
| Fat | 104 g | 66 g | 48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 2 g | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 12 g |
| Net Carbs | 0 g | 2 g | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 200 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1,520 mg | 1,200 mg | 0 mg |
This table provides an approximate nutritional breakdown for each ingredient used in Keto Chicken Curry. The total nutritional values of the dish will depend on the specific quantities and portion sizes.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose Quality Sausage: Select high-quality ground sausage with minimal fillers and additives. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your sausage balls.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and integrates more smoothly into the mixture.
- Fine Almond Flour: Ensure that your almond flour is finely ground to achieve a smooth texture in the sausage balls. Coarse almond meal can result in a gritty texture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the sausage, cheese, and almond flour are evenly distributed. This helps in achieving uniform flavor and texture in each sausage ball.
- Uniform Size: Make the sausage balls uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistent ball sizes.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This ensures that the sausage balls cook evenly and develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Bake on Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly after baking. They will firm up a bit as they cool, making them easier to handle and serve.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to add spices, herbs, or other flavorings to the mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper, to tailor the sausage balls to your taste preferences.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl To combine the sausage, cheese, and almond flour.
- Cookie Scoop or Hands: To form the mixture into balls.
- Baking sheet For baking the sausage balls.
- Parchment Paper (optional): To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Oven For baking the sausage balls.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground sausage
- 2 Cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Cup Almond flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground sausage, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of almond flour until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ground sausage and cheese for the best flavor. Opt for full-fat cheddar cheese to maintain the keto profile.
- Almond Flour: Make sure the almond flour is finely ground to ensure the sausage balls hold together properly and have a nice texture.
- Uniform Size: Try to make the sausage balls uniform in size (about 1 inch) to ensure even baking.
- Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the sausage balls from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly after baking. They will firm up a bit as they cool, making them easier to handle.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add herbs or spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to customize the flavor.
Delicious Topping Ideas
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can definitely use different types of sausage in this recipe. Whether you prefer spicy, Italian, or even chicken sausage, each variety will bring its unique flavor to the keto sausage balls. Just make sure the sausage is uncooked and free from added sugars or high-carb fillers to keep the dish keto-friendly. For a milder option, you can opt for a breakfast sausage that is lower in spice. If you enjoy experimenting, you might even try using flavored sausages like apple or herb-infused varieties to add a distinctive twist to your sausage balls.
When substituting sausage, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the finished product may vary slightly. For instance, turkey or chicken sausage tends to be leaner and might result in slightly drier sausage balls compared to traditional pork sausage. To counteract this, consider adding a bit more cheese or a small amount of heavy cream to keep the mixture moist and flavorful. Regardless of the type of sausage you choose, your keto sausage balls will remain a delicious and versatile snack that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Can I substitute the almond flour with another flour?
Almond flour is a staple in keto cooking due to its low carbohydrate content and ability to mimic the texture of traditional flours. Substituting it with another type of flour can impact the nutritional profile and texture of the recipe. For a keto-friendly alternative, you might consider using coconut flour. However, coconut flour is more absorbent than almond flour, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity—typically, you’ll use less coconut flour and might need to add extra moisture to the mixture.
If you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe strictly keto, you could use regular all-purpose flour or another non-keto flour. This substitution would increase the carb count and shift the recipe away from its low-carb goals. The texture of the sausage balls would also change, potentially becoming denser or drier. For the best results, stick with almond flour or a keto-approved alternative to maintain the flavor and texture that make these sausage balls so enjoyable.
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Keto Sausage Balls ahead of time, which is ideal for convenience and meal prep. To prepare them in advance, simply shape the sausage balls and place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows you to have a ready-to-bake snack or appetizer on hand for busy days or special occasions.
Alternatively, you can also freeze the prepared sausage balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen
What should I serve with Keto Sausage Balls?
Keto Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of keto-friendly sides and dips. For a classic touch, serve them with ranch dressing or a creamy dipping sauce like sour cream or Greek yogurt. These dips complement the savory flavor of the sausage balls and add a refreshing contrast. You can also offer a zesty salsa or pico de gallo to add a fresh and tangy element, which enhances the overall taste experience.
For a more substantial meal or appetizer spread, consider serving the sausage balls alongside a simple salad or vegetable platter. A crisp, green salad with low-carb ingredients like spinach, cucumber, and avocado makes a great side, adding freshness and texture. Additionally, pickled vegetables or olives can provide a tangy bite that pairs nicely with the rich and cheesy sausage balls. These options not only enhance the flavor profile but also keep the meal within keto-friendly guidelines.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!