Cheesy Garlic Sausage Balls
Keto-Friendly • Low-Carb • Cheesy & Flavorful
These Cheesy Garlic Sausage Balls are packed with savory sausage, melted cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh garlic. Made with almond flour instead of regular flour, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast, party appetizer, snack, or protein-rich low-carb meal.
Servings: 18–22 sausage balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork sausage, preferably sugar-free
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste, if needed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork sausage, shredded cheddar, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, baking powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a sturdy spoon until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls
Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into small balls, about 1–1½ inches in diameter.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. You should get approximately 18–22 sausage balls, depending on their size.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 160°F (71°C).
For extra golden tops, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sausage balls rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm with a sugar-free garlic dipping sauce, ranch dressing, or a little spicy mayonnaise.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled sausage balls for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, assuming 5 servings:
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 20–24 g
- Fat: 28–33 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 3–5 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Net Carbs: 2–4 g
Actual nutrition varies with the sausage brand, cheese, and portion size.
Keto and Weight-Loss Tips
- Choose sausage without added sugar or high-carb fillers.
- Use finely shredded cheddar for an even distribution of cheese.
- Pair with cucumber slices or a fresh green salad for a balanced low-carb meal.
- For a leaner option, substitute part of the pork sausage with lean ground turkey sausage.
