Pork Rind Sausage Balls
Savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, spicy crushed pork rinds, green onion, and baking powder come together in these rich, golden-baked sausage balls. The pork rinds add bold seasoning while helping create a cohesive, satisfying texture.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage such as regular Jimmy Dean pork sausage
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened fully to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
- 1 cup hot-and-spicy pork rinds finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese preferably sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the sausage balls from sticking and to simplify cleanup.
- Place the ground pork sausage, shredded cheddar, room-temperature cream cheese, crushed hot-and-spicy pork rinds, baking powder, and chopped green onion into a large mixing bowl.
- Using clean hands or a firm spatula, thoroughly combine the ingredients until the mixture is uniform and holds together well. Continue mixing until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated and no visible streaks remain.
- Portion the sausage mixture and roll each portion between your palms into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them at even intervals on the parchment-lined baking sheet. A small ice cream scoop may be used to create consistently sized portions.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage balls for 20–25 minutes, until their surfaces are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and leave the sausage balls to cool for several minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows them to firm slightly and makes them easier to handle.