If you love spicy, cheesy appetizers, these Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls are a must-try! The combination of juicy pork sausage, creamy cheddar, and tangy buffalo sauce makes every bite burst with bold flavor. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or even meal prepping for a delicious and easy protein-packed snack.
What’s great about this recipe is how effortless it is to make—just mix, roll, sear, and let your slow cooker do the rest! Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a hit with any crowd. Serve them up with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Full Recipe:
- 2 lbs pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz buffalo sauce
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the pork sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 18-20 evenly sized sausage balls.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage balls and sear on each side for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Transfer the seared sausage balls to a slow cooker.
- Pour the buffalo sauce evenly over the sausage balls.
- Slow cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, until fully cooked through.
Alternative Cooking Method:
- Instead of searing on the stovetop, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the sausage balls on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes before transferring them to the slow cooker.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cooked sausage balls for up to 4 months.
- To reheat: Use a microwave (1 minute on high), oven (350°F for 10-15 minutes), or slow cooker (low for 1 hour).
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 199 kcal per serving | Servings: 20 sausage balls
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls – The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With their bold buffalo flavor, creamy cheese, and juicy sausage base, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, holiday feast, or casual get-together, these sausage balls will disappear within minutes. Their slow cooker preparation makes them incredibly easy to whip up, and they stay warm throughout the event, making them a convenient, no-fuss dish.
This recipe has the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory richness. The buffalo sauce brings a tangy heat, the cheddar cheese adds a gooey texture, and the sausage provides a hearty bite. What’s even better? These Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls are gluten-free and low-carb, making them an excellent option for those following a keto-friendly or gluten-sensitive diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With only four ingredients, it comes together effortlessly, making it a fantastic last-minute dish. The slow cooker method allows you to prep them ahead of time, so you can focus on entertaining your guests rather than cooking in the kitchen.
Another reason why people love this dish is its versatility. You can tweak the spice level to suit your preference by adjusting the buffalo sauce or using different types of sausage. Whether you prefer mild, spicy, or even Italian-style sausage, this recipe can be customized to fit your taste.
These sausage balls also reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Whether you need a quick protein-packed snack, a party appetizer, or even a unique addition to a sandwich or salad, these buffalo cheesy sausage balls are a must-try.
What Makes Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls Unique?
While traditional sausage balls often include breadcrumbs or biscuit mix, this recipe skips the fillers, making it naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese creates an extra creamy texture that helps bind the sausage together, eliminating the need for additional starches.
The buffalo sauce is what truly sets these sausage balls apart. Unlike classic sausage balls that rely on dry seasonings, the buffalo sauce infuses the meatballs with zesty, tangy heat, making them burst with flavor. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you’ll love this appetizer because it delivers the same spicy kick with a cheesy, meaty twist.
How to Serve Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls
These sausage balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As an appetizer: Stick a toothpick in each one and serve them alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- In sliders: Stuff them into small buns with some extra buffalo sauce and a dollop of coleslaw for a delicious buffalo sausage slider.
- Over a salad: Toss them onto a bed of greens, drizzle with ranch, and sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese for a buffalo-inspired salad.
- With pasta or rice: Serve these sausage balls over pasta or rice with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for a heartier meal.
- As a party snack: Keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting so guests can help themselves throughout the event.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls
To get the best results, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind when making these sausage balls:
- Use quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is a key component of this dish. Opt for high-quality mild or spicy ground pork sausage for the best taste.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is well incorporated. Overmixing can make the sausage balls too dense.
- Pre-sear for extra flavor: Browning the sausage balls in a pan before slow cooking adds a caramelized crust, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Adjust spice levels: If you like it extra spicy, add hotter buffalo sauce or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount.
- Make ahead of time: You can form the sausage balls the night before, store them in the fridge, and cook them the next day to save time.
- Freeze for later: These sausage balls freeze well, making them great for meal prep. Just cook, freeze, and reheat when needed!
Pairing Suggestions
Since these sausage balls pack a spicy kick, they pair wonderfully with cooling dips and side dishes. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Dips: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a creamy garlic aioli work perfectly as dipping sauces.
- Drinks: A cold beer, iced tea, or a citrusy cocktail like a margarita balances out the spice.
- Sides: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad can complement the bold flavors.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear quickly!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Cooked sausage balls can be frozen for up to 4 months. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1 minute.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: Set on low for 1 hour until fully warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage balls the night before, refrigerate them overnight, and cook them the next day.
Are these sausage balls keto-friendly?
Yes! Since they don’t contain breadcrumbs or flour, they are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can bake these sausage balls in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can also try pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture.
What other meats can I use?
While pork sausage is traditional, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a different take on the recipe.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls are a game-changing appetizer that’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or incorporating them into a meal, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. Their spicy, cheesy, and savory goodness makes them irresistible, while their simple preparation and minimal ingredients make them an effortless dish to prepare.
If you love buffalo-flavored dishes, this recipe is a must-try! Make them once, and they’ll quickly become your go-to appetizer for every party, game day, and celebration.