Sausage balls are a classic dish that many of us have enjoyed since childhood. But let’s be honest, mixing and forming the balls can be a messy and time-consuming process.
That’s where the Kitchenaid mixer comes in. With its powerful motor and various attachments, it’s no wonder people are wondering if they can use it to make sausage balls.
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide some tips for making the perfect sausage balls with your Kitchenaid mixer.
So, get ready to ditch the hand-mixing and embrace the power of your stand mixer!
Can You Make Sausage Balls With A Kitchenaid Mixer?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can make sausage balls with a Kitchenaid mixer. In fact, using a stand mixer can make the process much easier and less messy.
Instead of hand-mixing the ingredients, simply add them to the mixing bowl and let the Kitchenaid do the work for you. The powerful motor can easily break down the sausage and mix it with the other ingredients to create a smooth and uniform mixture.
One important thing to note is that it’s best to use the dough hook attachment when making sausage balls with a Kitchenaid mixer. This attachment is specifically designed for mixing heavy doughs and can handle the thick mixture of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix.
Understanding Your Kitchenaid Mixer
If you’re new to using a Kitchenaid mixer, it’s important to understand how it works and how to use it properly when making sausage balls.
First, make sure your mixer is securely in place on a stable surface. Then, attach the dough hook to the mixer head by inserting it into the attachment hub and turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Next, add the sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix to the mixing bowl. It’s best to start on a low speed setting, gradually increasing the speed as the ingredients begin to combine. Be patient as the mixture may take a few minutes to come together.
It’s important to periodically stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Once the mixture is smooth and uniform, you can use a cookie scoop to form equal size balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
When finished, turn off the mixer and remove the dough hook attachment. Clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry it completely before storing.
Using a Kitchenaid mixer for sausage balls can save time and effort, making this family favorite even more enjoyable to make.
Preparing The Sausage And Cheese Mixture
To prepare the sausage and cheese mixture for sausage balls using a Kitchenaid mixer, start by adding 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage to the mixing bowl. Next, add 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 3 cups of biscuit/baking mix. Finally, add 3/4 cup of water to the mixture.
Using the dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients on low speed until they are well-combined. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until a smooth and uniform mixture is formed.
It’s important to note that the sausage should be at room temperature before adding it to the mixing bowl. This will ensure that it mixes evenly with the other ingredients and prevents clumping.
Once the sausage and cheese mixture is ready, it can be rolled into balls and baked in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. This delicious appetizer is perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing snack.
Mixing The Sausage Balls With Your Kitchenaid Mixer
To mix the sausage balls with your Kitchenaid mixer, start by adding the three ingredients – biscuit baking mix, sausage, and cheese – to the mixing bowl. Lock the mixer head in the down position and turn it on low speed (around level 3). Let the mixer run until all the ingredients are well combined.
If you’re adding additional ingredients like scallions, mushrooms, or cream cheese, toss them in after the initial ingredients have been mixed together. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Once all the ingredients are in the mixing bowl, attach the dough hook to your Kitchenaid mixer. The dough hook is designed to handle heavy doughs and will be able to mix the thick sausage mixture without any issues. Watch as the dough hook effortlessly blends all the ingredients together.
After all the ingredients are incorporated, it’s time to form the sausage balls. Using a cookie scoop can make this process faster and easier. Scoop equal portions of the mixture and form them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are lightly golden browned. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Using a Kitchenaid mixer to make sausage balls not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your sausage balls are uniform in size and texture. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make this family favorite snack with your Kitchenaid mixer.
Shaping And Baking The Sausage Balls
After the sausage ball mixture is thoroughly mixed in the Kitchenaid mixer, it’s time to shape and bake them. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. It’s important to make sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
To shape the balls, simply roll them between your palms until they are smooth and round. This can be done by hand or using a cookie scoop to make quick work of portioning them.
Once shaped, place the sausage balls on a greased baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball to allow for even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of each ball has reached 165°F.
Once baked, remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served hot or at room temperature and are perfect for any occasion, from game day snacks to holiday parties.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Sausage Balls Every Time
Making sausage balls can be a fun and delicious experience, but it can also be messy and time-consuming. To help you create the perfect sausage balls every time, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to make the process easier and less stressful.
1. Use a stand mixer: As mentioned above, using a stand mixer like a Kitchenaid can make the mixing process much easier and less messy. The powerful motor can easily break down the sausage and mix it with the other ingredients to create a smooth and uniform mixture.
2. Use a small cookie scoop: Instead of rolling each sausage ball out by hand, use a small cookie scoop to create even, uniform balls. This will save you time and keep your hands clean.
3. Drain on layers of paper towels: To prevent your sausage balls from being too greasy, place them on layers of paper towels after they come out of the oven. This will help absorb excess grease and leave you with a soft, almost grease-less texture.
4. Shred your own cheese: Using freshly shredded block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese will give your sausage balls more moisture and prevent them from being too dry.
5. Add milk if needed: If your sausage balls seem too dry, add in a 1/4 cup of milk to moisten the mixture.
6. Use hot sausage for extra flavor: If you want to add some heat to your sausage balls, use hot sausage instead of mild. You can also add cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
7. Use the dough hook attachment: When using a Kitchenaid mixer, it’s best to use the dough hook attachment for mixing heavy doughs like sausage ball mixture.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create perfect sausage balls every time without the hassle and mess of traditional hand-mixing methods. Happy cooking!
