Pancake Sausage Balls ~ TO BE TASTY

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Category	Ingredient	Amount
Base	Pancake mix	2½ cups
Cheesy Goodness	Sharp cheddar (freshly shredded)	2 cups
Savory Flavor	Breakfast sausage (uncooked)	1 lb
Binding Agent	Milk	¼ cup
Garnish	Fresh parsley or chives (finely chopped)	For garnish
For Serving	Maple syrup or jelly	As needed

⏳ Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
🍽️ Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time	20–23 minutes
⏱️ Total Time	30–35 minutes

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✅ 2½ cups pancake mix
✅ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
✅ 1 lb uncooked breakfast sausage
✅ ¼ cup milk
Mix until evenly combined using a stand mixer (low speed, 1 min) or your hands (knead thoroughly).

Step 3: Form the Bites

Use a cookie scoop or hands to shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions (~1½ inches wide).
Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until:
✅ Golden brown on the outside.
✅ Fully cooked inside (no pink in sausage).
✅ Cheese is melted & bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let cool for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives.
Serve warm with maple syrup or jelly for dipping.

🔥 Pro Tips for Success

✅ Use Fresh Cheese: Skip bagged cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
✅ Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps with even mixing & shaping.
✅ Don’t Overmix: Keeps the sausage bites tender & fluffy.
✅ Adjust Consistency:

Too dry? Add 1 tbsp more milk.
Too wet? Add 1 tbsp more pancake mix.
✅ Spice It Up: Add minced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or extra seasonings for a twist!

🍽️ Perfect Pairings

🥞 Dips: Maple syrup, honey mustard, spicy jelly, or creamy ranch.
🍹 Drinks: Serve with fresh orange juice, coffee, or a brunch mimosa.
🥓 Sides: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Melts less smoothly—always shred fresh!
🚫 Overbaking: Can dry them out—check for doneness at 20 minutes.
🚫 Skipping the Lining: Prevents sticking & cleanup hassles.

❓ FAQs

💬 Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store uncooked sausage bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

💬 How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

💬 Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked sausage bites, then bake from frozen at 350°F for 25–28 minutes.

💬 What’s a good substitute for pancake mix?
Use 1¾ cups flour + 2½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt + 2 tsp sugar instead.

💭 Final Thoughts

These Cheddar Sausage Pancake Bites are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing snack! Whether for breakfast meal prep, brunch spreads, or game-day appetizers, they’re irresistibly delicious.

🔥 Try them today & let me know—what’s your favorite dip for these bites? 😍✨