STAR HILL PROVISIONS^® SAUSAGE BALLS

MADE WITH MAKER'S MARK^®

These bite-sized bundles of deliciousness may be small but are big in flavor. Pairing these with a Bourbon Mustard Dipping Saucing makes for one crowd pleasing flavor combination.

A close up image of cooked meatballs next to a bottle of Classic Maker's Mark.

Do not share with minors

About

this recipe

This classic Southern appetizer works great when paired with a Maker's^® cocktail or taken along to a potluck party. These cheesy bite-sized beauties are served with a Bourbon Mustard Dipping Sauce that brings a nice blend of mustardy heat, sweet honey and caramel notes from the Maker's Mark^®. The recipe has a low degree of difficulty. Once your prep work is done, the sausage balls take just a few minutes to cook in the oven.

Preparation Time

40 minutes

Cook Time

18 minutes

Total Time

58 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs. good country sausage
2 sleeves saltine-style crackers, crushed
1-1/2 cup fresh shredded cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk

BOURBON MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE

1 cup mayonnaise
3 oz. (2 shots)

Maker's Mark^® Bourbon
1/3 cup yellow mustard
2 tbsp. honey

Preparation
Instructions

Cooked meatballs are lined up on a serving platter.

Step 1

Prepare your oven

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Step 2

Mix your ingredients

In a large bowl, combine crackers, egg and buttermilk and mix well.
Step 3

Mix in sausage and cheese

Add sausage and cheese. Mix again, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4

Refrigerate the mix

Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to cool.
Step 5

Roll into balls

Form the mixture into balls and place on greased baking sheets.
Step 6

Bake until ready

Bake for 12 minutes and check progress. Bake for remaining 6 minutes or until cooked through. You want some browning and a crunchy exterior.
FOR THE BOURBON MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE
Step 1

Mix condiments together

Combine mayonnaise, mustard, honey and bourbon in a large bowl and mix well.
Step 2

Store in the fridge

Refrigerate any leftovers and save for up to 1 week.

A bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon whisky behind a tall glass with a Bourbon Bloody Mary over ice and a pickle, celery, and lime garnish. A small bowl of lime slices is to the left.

TIPS FOR GREAT
Star Hill Provisions^® Sausage Balls

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Here's the scoop

Use an ice cream scoop or melon baller – depending on desired size – to help form uniform sized sausage balls and keep your hands clean.

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Stick fix

The dipping sauce contains full-strength Maker's^®. For a family-friendly version, first simmer the bourbon until it's reduced to a syrupy texture and let cool. This will burn off the alcohol.

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Tips, Tools & Techniques

Sausage balls are a fairly simple concept, but there are still ways you can make the task of making them even simpler. If you own a stand-up mixer let the paddle attachment do some of the mixing work for you. Also, whisking your eggs before you add them to the crushed saltines will make mixing them easier and create a more uniform mixture. Also, consider shredding your own cheddar. Some pre-shredded brands use an additive that prevents clumping. This is good for some things, but not trying to form sausage balls that hold together. Finally, the mixture can be refrigerated overnight, which may help you with scheduling and – some would argue – flavor.