Pancake Sausage Balls

Craving a delightful breakfast or brunch treat? This article explores delicious pancake sausage balls, a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. Learn to make these easy, family-friendly snacks.

What are Pancake Sausage Balls?

Pancake sausage balls are a fun and tasty combination of two breakfast favorites. They are, basically, small, round snacks that mix crumbled sausage with pancake batter. Therefore, this results in a delightful mix of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a party appetizer. These little bites are easy to make, quite versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Accordingly, they offer a great way to enjoy the flavors of pancakes and sausage in a unique, bite-sized form.

Why You Should Make Pancake Sausage Balls

There are many reasons to try making sausage balls. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare. Furthermore, you need only a few basic ingredients and a bit of your time. Therefore, this makes them a great option for busy mornings. Additionally, their bite-sized form is perfect for kids, or for adults who want an easy and quick snack. Moreover, these pancake balls are great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store them for later, giving you a ready-to-go breakfast option. Besides, this recipe is quite flexible. You can adjust the seasonings and add other ingredients, according to your personal preferences, making them truly versatile.

The Perfect Ingredients for Pancake Sausage Balls

To make great pancake sausage balls, you need a few key ingredients. Chiefly, the sausage is a must. For instance, use any type of breakfast sausage you like, such as pork, turkey, or even chicken. Next, you need pancake mix. Any pancake mix will do, whether it is a store-bought brand or homemade. Furthermore, you will need some milk or water to make the pancake batter. Finally, a bit of melted butter can be added to the mix for extra flavor and texture. Altogether, these simple components come together to create a delightful treat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pancake Sausage Balls

Making pancake sausage balls is quite straightforward. Initially, you must prepare the sausage by cooking it in a pan until fully browned. Then, drain off any extra grease and let it cool slightly. Next, prepare the pancake batter according to the package instructions, or your favorite recipe. Afterward, combine the cooked sausage with the batter, and mix them thoroughly. Specifically, using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop the batter onto a baking sheet. Finally, bake the pancake balls in a preheated oven until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving. Thus, this easy method ensures that you get perfect sausage balls every time.

Detailed Preparation of the Sausage

For great pancake sausage balls, the sausage prep is very important. You will need about a pound of breakfast sausage. Place the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Next, break the sausage apart with a spoon or spatula. Consequently, cook it until fully browned, ensuring there is no pink remaining. Furthermore, drain off any excess fat from the pan. Afterward, place the cooked sausage on a plate to cool. Once it has cooled, break it into even smaller bits. This ensures that they will be well distributed in the pancake batter.

Creating the Ideal Pancake Batter

The pancake batter should be light and fluffy. Basically, mix together your pancake mix and the amount of liquid required according to the package instructions. Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter for extra flavor. Also, you can add a dash of vanilla extract for a bit of flavor boost. Make sure to mix the batter until smooth. However, do not overmix it, or you risk creating tough pancake balls. Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This allows it to thicken slightly. Therefore, the right consistency of the batter is very important.

Combining Sausage and Pancake Batter

Once both the sausage and pancake batter are prepared, you can mix them together. Add the cooled, crumbled sausage to the pancake batter. Then, gently fold the sausage into the batter until it is evenly distributed. However, be careful not to overmix it. Indeed, overmixing can cause the sausage balls to become tough and dense. Make sure the sausage is well coated in the batter. This ensures that each pancake sausage ball will have a great flavor in every bite. Accordingly, this step is vital to the overall taste.

Baking the Pancake Sausage Balls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the pancake sausage balls from sticking to the pan. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the batter mixture onto the baking sheet. Specifically, ensure that each ball is about the same size for consistent baking. Finally, bake the pancake balls for about 12 to 15 minutes. They should be golden brown when finished. Let them cool slightly before serving. Therefore, baking them to the right color and consistency guarantees the best outcome.

Tips for the Best Pancake Sausage Balls

For the best pancake sausage balls, you should consider these tips. Initially, make sure the sausage is fully cooked and drained well. This stops excess grease in the final product. Next, do not overmix the pancake batter. Overmixing can lead to a less fluffy texture. Furthermore, using a cookie scoop ensures that all the sausage balls are of the same size. This helps them bake evenly. Moreover, you should not overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the pancake balls space to bake evenly. Finally, serve the sausage balls fresh for the best taste.

Choosing the Right Sausage

Selecting the correct sausage for pancake sausage balls is important. Basically, any breakfast sausage will work great in this recipe. Consider using a pre-seasoned sausage for a quick prep. Or, you can add seasonings to plain sausage yourself. Especially, you can choose between pork sausage, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage, based on your personal preference. Moreover, the quality of the sausage will definitely affect the overall flavor of your sausage balls. Therefore, it is good to use your preferred sausage for the best outcome.

Selecting Your Pancake Mix

There are lots of pancake mixes to select from. Indeed, any store-bought mix or even a homemade recipe will work. However, pay close attention to the consistency of the mix. Furthermore, avoid using a mix that is too thick. Generally, you should use a pancake mix that will give you light and fluffy results. Specifically, you might choose a gluten-free option if needed. Nevertheless, the chosen pancake mix impacts the texture and taste. You can find some great recommendations on what to use in place of Bisquick for sausage balls if you’re looking for alternatives. If you’re looking for more ideas for your breakfast recipes, you can explore Good Housekeeping for a variety of options.

Adding Extra Flavor to Your Pancake Sausage Balls

Want to make your sausage balls even better? Try adding some extra flavors. For example, add a little bit of shredded cheese, like cheddar, into the batter. Also, try adding a dash of hot sauce for a bit of spice. Besides, you can add some chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley. This will add extra freshness to the mix. Furthermore, adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg can give them a warm flavor. Therefore, adding extra flavors will increase the taste.

Serving Suggestions for Pancake Sausage Balls

Pancake sausage balls are compatible with many serving options. Serve them plain as a quick and easy snack, or pair them with your favorite sides. For instance, serve them with a side of syrup, honey, or jam for a sweet contrast. Additionally, they go great with a fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. Moreover, you can serve them alongside some scrambled eggs for a full breakfast. Ultimately, these are very versatile and perfect for many occasions.

Sweet Pairings for Pancake Sausage Balls

Pancake sausage balls are a great base for sweet flavors. For example, serve them with a side of maple syrup. The sweet flavor goes well with the salty sausage. Also, you can try serving them with honey, jam, or a fruit compote. These sweet options compliment the savory pancake balls very well. Therefore, they are great for anyone who loves sweet and savory combinations.

Savory Pairings for Pancake Sausage Balls

If you love savory flavors, there are many choices. For instance, pancake balls pair really well with some cheese sauce or a savory gravy. Also, you can serve them alongside some scrambled eggs. Furthermore, these sausage balls are great with a side of hot sauce, or other spicy condiments. Undoubtedly, these savory pairings create a delightful taste.

Storing and Reheating Pancake Sausage Balls

It is simple to store any leftover pancake sausage balls. Initially, make sure that they have fully cooled down. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Additionally, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. If you’re wondering should sausage balls be frozen before or after cooking, it’s generally best to freeze them after they’ve been baked. Subsequently, when you are ready to eat them, you can reheat the pancake balls in the oven, microwave, or even in a skillet. Thus, storing and reheating these pancake sausage balls allows you to enjoy them anytime.

How to Store Pancake Sausage Balls

To store pancake sausage balls properly, let them cool down completely. Afterward, place them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge or freezer. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container. This way they will keep well until you are ready to use them. Indeed, proper storage will ensure the best taste.

How to Reheat Pancake Sausage Balls

Reheating pancake sausage balls is quite simple. You can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Or, microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, until hot. Also, you can reheat them on a skillet over low heat. Specifically, reheating them in an oven gives them a crispier texture. Nevertheless, choose the method that is most convenient for you.

Pancake Sausage Balls: A Family Favorite

Pancake sausage balls are a great option for families. They are very easy to make. Additionally, kids love them due to their small size and great taste. Moreover, they make a great breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. Furthermore, you can let kids help in making them, making it a fun activity. Ultimately, this dish will be a family favorite.

Making Them with Kids

Making pancake sausage balls with your kids can be a great way to spend time with them. Kids can help with measuring ingredients and mixing the batter. Specifically, they can help in shaping the pancake sausage balls onto the baking sheet. This process is a fun and easy way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Thus, this recipe is great for bonding moments with your kids.

Pancake Sausage Balls for Parties

Pancake sausage balls are also a great choice for parties. They are very easy to make, and you can make a large batch very quickly. Moreover, they are small, making them easy for guests to eat. Furthermore, they are quite versatile and can be paired with many different dips. Therefore, they are great for any party or gathering.

Exploring Variations of Pancake Sausage Balls

There are many variations of pancake sausage balls. For example, you can use different types of meat, such as chorizo, for a different flavor profile. Also, you can add different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Moreover, try adding various spices, like paprika or cumin, for a smoky, or spicy flavor. Finally, add some herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. This will add more flavor. Thus, exploring different variations can keep things exciting.

Gluten-Free Pancake Sausage Balls

For those avoiding gluten, it is easy to adapt this recipe. Specifically, use a gluten-free pancake mix. Also, ensure that the sausage is also gluten-free. Furthermore, review the package labels carefully to ensure that all the ingredients meet the requirements. However, with some small changes, you can create great gluten-free pancake sausage balls.

Low-Carb Pancake Sausage Balls

To make pancake sausage balls low-carb, you need to make some changes to the recipe. For example, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional pancake mix. Also, use low-carb sweeteners, instead of added sugars. This makes them ideal for people limiting carbohydrates. Therefore, with some clever swaps, you can enjoy low-carb versions.

FAQs About Pancake Sausage Balls

Why are my sausage balls so dry?

Sausage balls might be dry due to overbaking. Therefore, reduce the baking time or add more liquid to the pancake mix. Additionally, make sure your sausage is not too lean. You can find more info on why are my sausage balls so dry in a previous blog post.

Should sausage balls be frozen before or after cooking?

Sausage balls can be frozen either before or after cooking. Indeed, freezing them after baking is more convenient. Thus, bake them first, let them cool, then freeze them for best results.

What can you use in place of bisquick for sausage balls?

For sausage balls, use other pancake mixes as a substitute for Bisquick. Moreover, consider a homemade mix. Make sure to check if your choice produces a fluffy result. Accordingly, most store-bought pancake mixes work fine.

What is the name of the pancake and sausage on a stick?

The name of the pancake and sausage on a stick is often referred to as pancake and sausage corn dogs. Also, you may see it called a sausage pancake on a stick. Thus, these can be a great alternative to pancake sausage balls. If you’re curious about what the pancake and sausage on a stick is called, be sure to check that out.