Sausage balls are a beloved appetizer for any occasion. Their savory, cheesy flavor makes them irresistible. But properly mixing and shaping sausage balls by hand can be a tedious, messy process. That’s where a KitchenAid stand mixer and attachments can help! With the right accessories, you can quickly whip up flawless sausage balls every time.
An Overview of Useful KitchenAid Attachments for Sausage Balls
The Dough Hook – This paddle-like attachment is designed for kneading and mixing dough. It thoroughly incorporates ingredients and develops gluten for a smooth, elastic texture. The dough hook is ideal for blending sausage, cheese and biscuit mix.
The Shredding Disc – Shred your own cheese with this handy disc rather than buying pre-shredded cheese which contains cellulose to prevent clumping Freshly shredded cheese integrates better,
The Food Grinder Attachment – Grind and mix your own homemade sausage for total flavor control. Attach grinder plates to achieve desired texture.
The Sausage Stuffer Attachment – This stuffs mixture into casings to make your own sausage links after grinding meat with the food grinder.
The Cookie Scoop – For fast, consistent shaping, use a cookie scoop instead of hand rolling. Portion dough directly onto baking sheets.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Balls
Follow these simple steps for perfect sausage balls using your KitchenAid:
1. Shred the Cheese
Fit the shredding disc attachment and feed cheese blocks into the feed tube to shred enough cheese for the recipe. Avoid any pre-shredded cheeses which can compromise texture.
2. Mix the Dough
Fit the flat beater or dough hook attachment in the mixer bowl. Add shredded cheese, sausage, Bisquick, and any seasonings. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Portion the Dough
Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures uniform size and shape. Alternatively, roll dough into 1″ balls using your hands.
4. Chill the Dough
For firmer dough that holds its shape better, refrigerate the portioned dough for 30 minutes before baking. The cold dough will maintain its round shape as it bakes.
5. Bake According to Recipe
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until browned. Baking time may vary depending on size. Test doneness by cutting into a ball.
6. Enjoy Your Sausage Balls!
Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite condiments. Enjoy these appetizing, bite-sized sausage cheese balls!
Tips for Sausage Ball Success
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Use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer for optimal mixing and grinding capability.
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Chill dough before scooping for easy, mess-free portioning.
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Lightly oil scoops or hands while portioning to prevent sticking.
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Space balls evenly on baking sheets to allow air circulation while baking.
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Rotate sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking.
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Check balls early and adjust bake time for perfectly cooked interiors.
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Let balls rest 5 minutes before removing from pan for clean release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What setting should I use on my KitchenAid mixer?
Use the lowest speed setting when mixing dough to avoid overworking. Start on Stir or Speed 1 and gradually increase only as needed to incorporate.
Can I make sausage balls without attachments?
Yes, you can mix dough by hand and shape into balls manually. But using attachments saves time and minimizes mess.
What consistency should the dough be?
The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, like biscuit dough. If too dry, add a small amount of milk. Avoid over-wetting.
How do I know if they’re fully cooked?
Sausage balls are done when outsides are browned and insides reach 165°F. Test doneness by cutting into a ball.
Why are my sausage balls flat?
Flat sausage balls are often caused by overmixing, improper dough thickness, or incorrect baking time/temperature. Follow recipe carefully.
Get Creative with Unique Sausage Ball Variations
The possibilities are endless when customizing sausage balls. Try these fun variations:
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Mexican-style with chorizo sausage and pepper jack cheese
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Italian with spicy sausage, parmesan, and herbs
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Breakfast style with maple sausage, cheddar, and spices
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Hawaiian with pineapple, teriyaki, and Swiss cheese
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Southwestern with roasted green chilis, peppers, and cheddar
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Bacon sausage balls with crispy crumbled bacon mixed in
With your KitchenAid mixer and attachments, you can easily mix, shape, and create endless varieties of flavorful sausage balls from scratch. Impress guests with your homemade creations!