Make Perfect Sausage Balls Easily with a KitchenAid Mixer

Sausage balls are a classic party appetizer that are always a crowd-pleaser These savory bite-sized treats feature a mixture of sausage, cheese, and baking mix formed into balls and baked until lightly golden. While delicious, sausage balls can be a messy and time consuming dish to make by hand However, by using a KitchenAid stand mixer you can easily whip up perfect sausage balls every time.

Why Use a KitchenAid Mixer for Sausage Balls?

Making sausage balls has typically required getting your hands dirty, literally. The process of kneading together the sausage, cheese, and dry ingredients by hand is quite messy Not only that, but forming each individual ball by hand takes a lot of time and effort when making a party-sized batch This is where the KitchenAid mixer saves the day.

It’s easy to make a dough with a KitchenAid stand mixer because it mixes the ingredients quickly. It’s strong motor and beater attachment can mix everything well in a minute or two with no mess. The dough comes together easily without having to knead it by hand.

Using a KitchenAid allows you to:

• Mix the ingredients quickly and evenly
• Eliminate the mess of hand mixing
• Create a cohesive dough that holds together well
• Easily form the dough into compact balls

So if you want to churn out batches of sausage balls with ease, a KitchenAid mixer is the way to go. Let’s look at how simple the process is.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Balls in a KitchenAid

Making sausage balls in a KitchenAid mixer follows a very straightforward process:

Prep the Ingredients

You’ll need 1 pound of ground sausage, 2 cups of baking mix (like Bisquick), and 8-10 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the sausage to reach room temperature to make mixing easier. It’s also best to shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese which contains added anti-caking agents.

Mix the Dough

The sausage, baking mix, and cheese should be put in the bowl of a stand mixer with the beater attachment. Mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes until a dough forms. Scrape down the sides as needed. The dough should become uniform in texture and color.

Scoop the Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to portion the dough into bite-sized balls. Work briskly and roll each scoop between your palms to form smooth balls.

Bake

Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

That’s it! Let the balls cool slightly before serving. The KitchenAid does all the hard work for you.

Tips for Making Flawless Sausage Balls

With a KitchenAid mixer streamlining the prep, it’s easy to make perfect sausage balls every time. Here are some tips:

• Use a powerful 300 watt or higher KitchenAid model for best results. The motor needs to be strong enough to thoroughly mix the stiff dough.

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend as smoothly.

• Don’t overmix the dough. Once it starts coming together, stop mixing. Too much mixing can make the balls dense.

• Portion the dough as soon as it’s mixed using a cookie scoop. This prevents it from drying out.

• Bake the balls on the middle rack until golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Don’t overbake or they’ll be dry.

• Let the sausage balls rest 5 minutes before serving. This helps set the texture.

Handy KitchenAid Attachments for Sausage Balls

In addition to the standard beater attachment, there are some other KitchenAid mixer accessories that can make prepping sausage balls even easier.

Food Grinder Attachment

If you want totally homemade sausage balls, grind your own sausage meat from pork shoulder or other cuts using the food grinder attachment. You can customize the texture and flavor.

Food Processor Attachment

Shred block cheese in seconds using the food processor attachment instead of grating by hand. It evenly shreds 10 ounces of cheese in about 30 seconds.

Cookie Press Attachment

Skip scooping the dough and use the cookie press attachment to portion and shape the sausage balls directly onto the baking sheet. Great for uniform balls.

So take advantage of all that a KitchenAid has to offer when making your next batch of sausage balls. Your friends and family will be impressed with how easy entertaining can be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Sausage Balls in a KitchenAid

What size KitchenAid do I need to make sausage balls?

A KitchenAid with at least 300 watts of power is recommended. The Professional 600 series or Artisan series both work well. Smaller 120 watt KitchenAid models may struggle with the thick dough.

How long does it take to make sausage balls from start to finish?

It takes about 30-40 minutes total. Mixing takes 1-2 minutes, scooping takes about 10 minutes, and baking takes 18-20 minutes. The active prep time is only about 15 minutes – the rest is hands-off baking time.

Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of regular pork sausage?

Absolutely! Hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick of flavor. You can also try other seasoned sausages. Just avoid pre-cooked sausages.

What can I use instead of Bisquick baking mix?

You can substitute 2 cups of all-purpose flour plus 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Self-rising flour also works. For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How do I adapt the recipe for a bigger crowd?

It’s easy to double or triple the recipe as needed. Just use a larger KitchenAid bowl and increase the ingredient amounts proportionately. Mix in batches for very large quantities.

More KitchenAid Tips and Recipes

A KitchenAid stand mixer makes preparing all kinds of recipes fast and easy. Here are some more tips for making the most of this essential kitchen tool:

• Use the flat beater attachment for thick, stiff batters and doughs like for cookies and bread. The dough hook is good for kneading yeast doughs.

• Let the machine work – don’t overload it. Add flour and liquids gradually so the motor doesn’t stall.

• Use the lowest speed needed to get the job done, increasing only as needed. Start slow to avoid messes.

• Grease the inside of the bowl with a little butter or oil so ingredients don’t stick.

• Measure dry ingredients first, then liquids for best results.

Beyond sausage balls, a KitchenAid mixer can whip up amazing homemade pizza dough, bread, cookies, cakes, and much more. With the right attachments, you can also grind meat, shred cheese, make pasta and more. It’s one of the most useful appliances in any home cook’s arsenal.