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These low-carb sausage bites turn traditional comfort snacks into a worry-free treat that's ideal for keto followers. The mix of flavorful sausage, cheese, and bacon makes utterly tempting bites that vanish quickly whenever you serve them.
I whipped up these sausage bites when throwing a sports viewing party for friends with various dietary needs. Even guests not following keto kept coming back for more—these tasty morsels were gone faster than anything else I put out.
What You'll Need
- Plain ground breakfast sausage: Forms the tasty foundation—go for quality meat without sugar additives
- Almond flour: Works as the keto-friendly substitute for traditional baking mix
- Green onions: Brings fresh tang and mild kick—toss in both green and white sections
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Buy a block and shred it yourself for smoother melting
- Chopped bacon: Delivers smoky richness and can't-resist taste
- Cream cheese: Room temperature for creaminess and helps hold everything together
Making Your Sausage Bites
- Warm Up Your Oven:
- Get your oven going at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temp helps your sausage bites cook all the way through and turn golden outside without drying them out.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Dump all your stuff into a big bowl. Make sure your cream cheese isn't cold so it mixes in well throughout. Using your hands works best to get everything really mixed up.
- Shape Your Balls:
- Grab bits of the mixture and roll them in your hands to make 24 equal-sized balls around 1½ inches across. Making them the same size helps them cook evenly. Put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving some space between each one.
- Cook Until Done:
- Pop them in your hot oven for 18 minutes. They should turn golden brown outside and reach 160°F inside. You shouldn't see any pink in the middle when they're done.
- Let Them Rest:
- After taking them out, let the balls sit on the tray for about 5 minutes before moving them to a plate. This quick rest helps them firm up and get the right texture.
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I came up with these sausage bites after thinking about my southern grandma's old recipe that always showed up at family get-togethers. The old version uses Bisquick but this keto take keeps all those familiar flavors while staying low-carb friendly. What makes them special is mixing three types of pork—breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and bacon—creating multiple layers of meaty goodness.
Keeping Them Fresh
These keto balls keep well in a sealed container in your fridge for about 4 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the cooled balls on a tray until hard, then put them in a freezer bag where they'll stay good for 3 months. To warm them up from frozen, put them in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes until hot throughout. They'll taste almost the same as fresh ones, making them great for planning meals ahead.
Mix It Up
Though this recipe works great as is, you can easily change these keto balls to match what you like. Try adding some garlic powder and a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. For an Italian spin, switch to Italian sausage instead of breakfast sausage and use mozzarella rather than cheddar. You can even toss in finely cut bell peppers for color and nutrients. The basic recipe handles changes really well.
Ways To Enjoy
These handy balls work in lots of different meals. Have them for a protein-rich breakfast with eggs and avocado slices. At parties, set them out with sugar-free BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping. They're also great tucked in keto lunchboxes or eaten as late-night snacks. My family really likes them crumbled over salad with ranch dressing for a complete meal.
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Munch on these tasty keto sausage bites knowing they fit right into your low-carb plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these keto sausage balls ahead of time?
You bet! You can mix everything and shape the balls up to a day before cooking. Keep them wrapped in the fridge until baking time. You can also fully cook them, let them cool down, and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you want to eat them, warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes.
- → Can I freeze these keto sausage balls?
For sure! They freeze really well. You can freeze them raw (put them on a tray until hard, then toss in freezer bags) or after they're cooked and completely cool. When you're ready to eat them, cook the frozen raw balls at 400°F for 22-25 minutes, or warm up the frozen cooked ones at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- → What can I serve with these keto sausage balls?
They taste great by themselves, but go really well with dips like no-sugar BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or plain mustard. They're also good next to a fresh green salad or raw veggie sticks if you want a complete low-carb meal.
- → Can I substitute the almond flour with something else?
If you need a keto-friendly swap, try coconut flour, but only use about 1/4 cup since it soaks up more liquid. Another option is crushed pork rinds - use the same amount as you would almond flour for an even lower carb choice.
- → How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?
Look for a golden brown outside and make sure they reach 160°F inside. Don't have a food thermometer? Just cut one open - it should be cooked all the way through with no pink spots left.
- → Can I add different seasonings to these sausage balls?
Go for it! Try adding some garlic or onion powder, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or a bit of cayenne for some heat. The basic recipe works great with lots of different flavors based on what you like.