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If there’s one recipe that brings me back to those cozy Sunday afternoons in Georgia, it’s sausage balls. My mom made them every holiday, every potluck, and most certainly on game days. Back then, they were full of flour, cheese, and regular sausage—nothing keto about them. But when I switched to a low-carb lifestyle, I couldn’t leave this Southern comfort behind. That’s where these keto sausage balls come in.
They’re everything you love: juicy, cheesy, a little spicy, and oh-so-snackable. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead of time or looking for a quick bite before heading out, keto sausage balls are the kind of recipe that saves your weekday—or makes weekend brunch spread-worthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into how to make the best keto sausage balls, share tips from my kitchen, and even get into storage, substitutions, and fun twists. Trust me, you won’t even miss the carbs.
Keto Sausage Balls Made Easy: A Southern Spin on Low-Carb Snacking
Why Keto Sausage Balls Just Work
Let’s talk cravings. When you’re on a keto or low-carb diet, those mid-day hunger pangs can sneak up fast. That’s where keto sausage balls shine—they’re the holy grail of grab-and-go protein-packed snacks. Each bite delivers savory sausage flavor, melted cheese comfort, and just enough herbs to elevate the whole thing. And the best part? They come together without needing breadcrumbs or flour.
I’ve tried plenty of tweaks over the years—almond flour versus coconut flour, turkey versus chicken sausage. Spoiler: almond flour yields the most satisfying texture that’s crumbly yet holds together perfectly. Whether you’re pairing them with homemade sausage gravy or just dipping them in spicy mustard, they hit all the right notes.
Raymond’s First Try (and Fail!) Going Keto with Classic Sausage Balls
Let me be real. When I first went keto in my 50s, I thought I could just swap flour with almond flour in my original sausage ball recipe—and boom, keto magic. Nope. They turned out greasy, flat, and oddly chewy. But I kept at it. I played with moisture levels, cheese blends, and baking temps until I nailed it. Today’s version cooks evenly with a golden-brown finish that’s lightly crispy on the outside and packed with melty goodness inside. Keto sausage balls have become a staple for my family, and my grandkids can’t even tell they’re low-carb!
Whether you’re putting together a party platter or gearing up for game night, these are perfect served next to keto-friendly parmesan potatoes or even paired alongside rich sausage stuffing for a full-on Southern spread.
How to Make Keto Sausage Balls from Scratch
Ingredients List: What You’ll Need and Tasty Substitutions
The beauty of keto sausage balls is just how simple they are. With a short prep time and minimal cleanup, you get rich, flavorful bites that feel gourmet.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage (spicy or mild, your call)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
- ¾ cup blanched almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Optional tweaks:
- Swap turkey with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein profile.
- Want a cheesy twist? Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Up the flavor with chopped chives, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.
You can even roll them in crushed turkey rinds before baking for extra crunch.
Timing: Fast Prep for Big Flavor
Getting these on your table takes less than an hour from start to finish. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Prep All Ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Mix & Form Balls | 10 minutes |
| Bake | 25 minutes |
That’s 45 minutes total—15% faster than traditional sausage ball recipes loaded with biscuit mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Bowl to Bites
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for zero sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, baking powder, and spices.
- Use your hands (the OG kitchen tool) to mix everything thoroughly. The mixture will be slightly sticky but firm enough to roll.
- Shape the mixture into balls around 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving—they hold together better this way.
Quick tip: For extra browning, switch your oven to broil during the last 2 minutes and keep an eye on them. That cheesy crisped-up crust? That’s what dreams are made of.
Storage Tips & Nutritional Facts about Keto Sausage Balls
Smart Storage: Keep ‘Em Fresh and Ready
Keto sausage balls make a perfect make-ahead recipe. They store beautifully in both the fridge and freezer:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back that golden crisp.
- Freezer: Once cooled, flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for 3 months.
- Reheating tip: From frozen, pop into an air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
Pair leftovers with fluffy biscuits and gravy to make a complete keto breakfast spread.
Nutritional Breakdown: Low-Carb & Guilt-Free
Here’s a quick snapshot of what one average keto sausage ball contains:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 sausage ball) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Net Carbs | 1g |
For more info on staying within keto nutrition guidelines, check out this helpful guide from the National Library of Medicine on ketogenic dietary strategies.
Creative Keto Sausage Ball Variations
Global Fusion Flavors: Beyond Cheddar & turkey
Feeling adventurous? Try giving your sausage balls a flavor spin:
- Korean-Inspired: Mix in chopped kimchi and use spicy gochujang-flavored sausage.
- Italian-Style: Use hot Italian sausage, parmesan, and fresh basil.
- Tex-Mex: Try a cheddar-jalapeño combo with a dash of cumin and smoked paprika.
These pair perfectly with holiday stuffing recipes—turning a traditional dish into something keto-approved and party-ready.
Serving Ideas & Pairings You’ll Love
Whether brunching or tailgating, here’s how to serve them up right:
- Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs and air fryer sweet potatoes.
- Appetizers: Pair these with low-carb dipping sauces—ranch, spicy mayo, or a creamy dill mustard.
- Holidays: Include them in your platter with cornbread stuffing that’s keto-friendly.
Don’t sleep on these as part of meal-prep either—they’re the ultimate protein snack to power you through the week.
FAQ About Keto Sausage Balls
What are the ingredients for keto sausage balls?
Keto sausage balls typically require ground turkey sausage, shredded cheese (like sharp cheddar), almond flour, egg, baking powder, garlic and onion powder, and optional seasoning like pepper or red pepper flakes.
Can keto sausage balls be frozen?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, freeze on a tray, then store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How long do keto sausage balls last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, keto sausage balls last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain texture.
What are the nutritional facts for keto sausage balls?
On average, each ball contains about 130 calories, 11g of fat, 6g of protein, and just 1g of net carbs, making them highly keto-compatible.
Conclusion
Keto sausage balls prove you don’t have to give up flavor—or Southern tradition—when living a low-carb life. These bite-sized delights are rich, satisfying, and endlessly flexible. You get that familiar nostalgia without the carb hangover. Plus, kids and non-keto guests adore them just as much. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting brunch, or zipping through your holiday bake-a-thon, keto sausage balls belong in your recipe rotation. So next time you’re eyeing comfort food with a modern twist, roll up your sleeves and make a batch that satisfies the soul and supports the lifestyle.
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Keto Sausage Balls: A Hearty Low-Carb Favorite from My Southern Roots
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 sausage balls 1x
Description
Juicy, cheesy, and a little spicy, these keto sausage balls are a Southern comfort food favorite made low-carb. Perfect for meal prep, brunch, or game day snacking.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey sausage (spicy or mild)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup blanched almond flour
1 large egg
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sausage, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, baking powder, and spices.
3. Mix everything thoroughly by hand until well combined.
4. Roll mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 22–25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or chopped jalapeños for extra flavor.
Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: keto, low-carb, sausage balls, snack, brunch