Appetizer sausage balls

 Appetizer sausage balls in blankets combine the fun finger food concept of pigs in a blanket with the savory goodness of sausage balls. It's a creative and delicious way to elevate a classic party appetizer.

Here's how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• For the Sausage Balls:

  • 1 pound ground sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage work well)
  • 1 cup Bisquick baking mix (or your favorite pancake mix)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Wrappers:

  • 1 package (15 oz) crescent dough sheets
  • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Sausage Balls:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, Bisquick mix, shredded cheese, chopped onion, egg, milk, sage, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

2. Shape the Sausage Balls:

   • Lightly grease your hands or use a small cookie scoop to form the sausage mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Roll the balls between your palms to ensure they are round and compact.

3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:

   • Unroll the crescent dough sheet and separate the triangles.

4. Wrap the Sausage Balls:

   • Stretch each triangle of crescent dough slightly. Place a sausage ball in the center of the wider end of the dough triangle.

   • Roll up the dough triangle diagonally, enclosing the sausage ball completely. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal and prevent the sausage from leaking out during baking.

   • You can brush the tops of the wrapped sausage balls with egg wash for a golden brown sheen (optional).

5. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   • Arrange the sausage balls in blankets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even baking.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the center of the sausage ball is recommended for safe consumption.

7. Serve:

   • Let the sausage balls in blankets cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• You can add other ingredients to the sausage ball mixture for extra flavor, such as chopped bell peppers, jalapenos, or grated Parmesan cheese.
• If you don't have Bisquick mix, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the ground sausage with a cooked and crumbled lentil or veggie burger mixture.