Italian Sausage Bites
These delicious and crispy Italian sausage bites take sausage appetizers to the next level. A mixture of Italian sausage, onions, garlic, spices, marinara sauce, and a blend of gouda, mozzarella, and cream cheese are rolled into balls and then coated in a seasoned panko breading, and deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection.
Servings: 42 Bite-Size Balls
Calories: 163kcal
Ingredients
Sausage Bites
- 2 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup gouda cheese, diced small
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced small
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ⅓ cup marinara sauce
Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs, crushed
- 2 teaspoons slap ya mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add Italian sausage, onions, and the seasonings for the bites, and cook until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another two minutes. Drain.
- Add the Italian sausage mixture to a large bowl. Once the mixture has cooled a bit, add cream cheese, marinara sauce, gouda, and mozzarella cheese.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flash freeze for an hour.
- While the Italian sausage bites are in the freezer, set up a dredging station with 3 shallow containers.
- In the first container, add flour.
- The second container, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- In the third container add breadcrumbs and all the seasonings for the coating.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add each bite into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place about 6-8 bites into the hot oil and deep fry until golden on all sides.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make sure to work in batches so the oil keeps the perfect temperature.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate.
Please note that these values can change with different brands and any modifications made to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements.
- Fully soften your cream cheese so it mixes and melts easily in the sausage mixture.
- Flash freeze your sausage balls for at leas an hour. They should be frozen so they don't fall apart while the coating cooks.
- Preheat your oil and work in small batches to ensure the oil stays hot and crisps the breading.
- Use a slotted spoon to move your sausage balls to a plate. Tongs can crush the balls if you add too much pressure.
Nutrition
Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 102mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg