Cheese plates are great, but during the cold holiday season we crave a warm, stick-to-your-bones appetizer. These savory sausage cheese balls are the perfect easy appetizer for any event and they are pop-in-your-mouth delicious! They take just minutes to make (only 5 ingredients) and under an hour to bake. For an extra hungry crowd, we recommend doubling (or tripling!) the batch as these little cheese balls go fast!
These cheese balls can be made ahead and easily reheated. Simply place them on sheet pan, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Sausage Crescent Cheese Balls
Courtesy of Pillsbury
Makes about 42 balls
For those who are sensitive to spice, like kids, consider using a mild sausage.
1 lb bulk spicy sausage
2 cups (8 oz) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 8-ounce can Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 375°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray.
In large bowl, mix sausage, cheese and rosemary; mix well using hands or spoon.
Unroll crescent dough on work surface; coat each side of dough with 1 tablespoon flour. Using pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into about 1/4-inch pieces. Mix crescent dough pieces into bowl of sausage mixture in small amounts until well blended.
Shape mixture into 42 (1 1/4-inch) balls. Place in pan. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations:
For an added kick of spice stir in 1 teaspoon of Sriracha hot sauce.
Want a lower fat version? Use all white ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Try Italian-style ground turkey sauce and mozzarella cheese along with a zesty tomato sauce for dipping.
