Keto Sausage Balls Recipe – Kasey Trenum

Get ready to whip up a batch of irresistible Keto Sausage Balls that are as delicious as they are easy to make. These savory bites are packed with flavorful sausage and cheese, perfect for a low-carb breakfast, keto-friendly appetizer, or snack. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious low-carb sausage balls in no time.

Keto Sausage Balls 

Sausage Balls make a fantastic appetizer or breakfast, but the ones I used to make were full of carbs. So, I started working on creating the perfect keto Sausage Ball Recipe. Most of the ones I tried were extremely dry; like, give me a gallon of water right now before I can take another bite dry. So, I started experimenting from scratch to see if I could create a moist and flavorful recipe.

My first attempt was a thumbs-down. Then, I remembered my delicious keto biscuit recipe. I can tweak that recipe to make keto-friendly sausage balls. I was right! They turned out perfectly! Due to the added moisture content when using keto-friendly flours, they are more like Keto Sausage Ball Puffs than perfectly round balls, but the taste is spot on!

If you don’t love sausage or want to try a variety, check out my Low Carb Cheesy Bacon Bites.

1. Breakfast sausage – provides protein and flavor to the recipe. You can use milk or hot.

2. Butter – adds richness and moisture to the sausage balls.

3. Coconut flour – a low-carb alternative to regular flour.

4. Full-fat sour cream – full-fat sour cream adds creaminess and tang to the recipe.

5. Eggs – provide structure and binding to the sausage balls.

6. Salt: Salt is used in this recipe to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

7. Baking powder – a leavening agent that helps the sausage balls rise and become light and fluffy.

8. Sharp shredded cheddar cheese – adds a savory taste and gooey texture to the sausage balls.

Are Sausage Balls Keto Friendly?

Traditional Sausage Balls are not keto-friendly, but this low-carb version is perfect for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

What Kind of Sausage Do I Use?

Look for a breakfast sausage that crumbles like ground beef when you brown it. Check the label and choose the lowest carb count you can find. Avoid the maple variety as it is generally higher in carbs.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need:

To start this recipe, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 365°F degrees.

Brown and drain 1 lb of breakfast sausage. Melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to cool.

 

 

Add coconut flour and baking powder to the batter. You will notice it thickens very quickly. Coconut flour is very absorbent. The longer it sits, the thicker it will get.

Add your browned breakfast sausage to the batter and stir until just combined.

I’ve had several people ask why I precook the sausage. I have always preferred sausage balls this way, even before following a keto diet. Otherwise, I never felt like the sausage was cooked through when added to the batter raw.

Finally, incorporate the freshly shredded cheese and stir until just combined. Scoop them on a baking sheet and bake until they start to brown.

If you want a rounder shape, you’ll want to chill your batter before baking. They tend to be more of a Keto Sausage Ball Puff if the butter and sausage are still hot when added to the batter. Chilling the batter will help them not to flatten. They won’t be as round as traditional sausage balls, even with chilling the dough.

Tip: Since you aren’t rolling these out like more traditional sausage balls, I recommend using a cookie scoop.  It is super fast and works perfectly for this recipe. Plus, cleanup is much easier than using your hands to roll them into balls.

Make this delicious sausage balls recipe a perfect make-ahead option for breakfast or an appetizer everyone will enjoy. This is such an easy recipe to follow; you’ll be amazed at its simplicity.

Tips & Tricks

1. Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all the ingredients are well combined for a uniform texture and consistent taste throughout the sausage balls.
2. Prevent Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just enough to combine, as overmixing can make the sausage balls to be tough.
3. Chill the Mixture: Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This makes it easier to handle and shape.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop makes portioning the mixture evenly and shaping the balls much easier.
5. Don’t Overbake: Bake the sausage balls until they are golden brown and cooked through. Overbaking can result in dryness.

Variations to Keto Low Carb Sausage Balls:

• This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you could swap it for another variety or combination of cheeses.
• You can substitute cream cheese for the sour cream in this recipe. Both add a bit more moisture to the Keto Sausage Balls recipe.
• Add veggies like chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or finely diced bell peppers.
• Instead of using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, you could use a mini muffin pan instead.

Can I use a different meat instead of sausage?

Absolutely! While sausage is traditional, you can try using ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey for a different twist on the recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but the low-carb aspect will remain intact.

Can I make mini-sized sausage balls instead of regular ones?

Of course! If you prefer bite-sized snacks, you can easily make mini sausage balls. Shape smaller portions of the mixture into bite-sized balls and adjust the baking time accordingly or use a mini muffin pan. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooked through without becoming too dry.

Can I add spices or herbs to the mixture?

Absolutely! Adding your favorite spices or herbs is a fantastic way to elevate the flavor of your sausage balls. Consider options like garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the flavors to your liking.

How can I make the sausage balls stay moist?

To keep your sausage balls moist, make sure you don’t overcook them. Be mindful of the baking time, and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re cooked through.

Can I use mild or hot sausage for the recipe? Is there a significant taste difference?

Absolutely! The choice between mild or hot sausage is based on personal preference. Mild sausage will provide a milder flavor, while hot adds a nice spice kick. Either way, they will turn out delicious!

Why is it necessary to melt and cool the butter before adding it to the mixture?

Melting the butter allows it to mix evenly with the other ingredients. Cooling it ensures that it won’t cook the eggs when combined. This step helps to maintain the right texture and consistency of the sausage balls.

What dipping sauces pair well with keto sausage balls?

Keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sugar-free ketchup, or mustard can complement the flavors of sausage balls.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded cheese works just as well in this recipe. It adds convenience and saves time. However, freshly shredding the cheese can provide a slightly better texture and flavor.

How many sausage balls does this recipe make?

The recipe should make around 30-35 sausage balls, depending on the size of each ball.

How to Store Them

To store easy and delicious low-carb recipes like keto sausage balls, one can place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

You can also freeze them! They’ll stay yummy for about three months. What I usually do is scoop the batter onto a baking pan and pop it in the freezer for a quick freeze. Then, I put the sausage balls in safe container safe for the freezer.

This makes it super easy for me to take out just how many I want whenever I feel like it. Sometimes I want a bunch for my whole family, and other times I just want a few for myself. So no matter what, I can always enjoy freshly baked sausage balls.

Try these Keto Breakfast Recipes:

More Keto Appetizers:

If you want to try more great recipes like this one, check out my Keto Recipe Index. I also post a weekly keto meal plan for inspiration. Some of our favorite recipes are listed below! These make perfect appetizers for your next party. The best part? Nobody will realize they are keto-friendly!