Keto Sausage Balls: Carb Content And Nutritional Facts

Keto sausage balls are a popular low-carb alternative to traditional sausage balls, which are usually made with Bisquick or other high-carb ingredients. This keto-friendly version typically uses almond flour or coconut flour as a substitute, resulting in a delicious and healthy snack. With various recipes available, these sausage balls are perfect for breakfast, appetizers, or even meal prep throughout the week. They can be served with dips such as low-carb barbecue sauce, keto ranch dressing, or enjoyed as-is. The versatility of this dish allows for customisation to suit individual preferences, making it a favourite among those following a keto diet.

How to make keto sausage balls

Keto sausage balls are a great, low-carb alternative to the classic sausage balls that are often served as an appetizer or holiday snack. They are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious keto sausage balls.

Ingredients:

• Ground pork or sausage (you can use mild, hot, or breakfast sausage)
• Almond flour or coconut flour (superfine or blanched almond flour works best)
• Baking powder
• Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Salt
• Onion powder or dried minced onions
• Green onions or scallions (optional)
• Milk (any type)
• Sugar-free maple syrup (optional)

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Keto ranch dressing
• Sugar-free ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Low-carb barbecue sauce
• Keto honey mustard
• Keto chive blue cheese dressing

Kitchen Supplies:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Food processor or large mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Line the Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to 425°F (depending on the recipe you follow). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also use a wire cooling rack placed on the baking sheet to allow the grease to drain.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients:

In a food processor or large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the scallions or green onions. Pulse or mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you are using a food processor, add the scallions and pulse a few times to combine.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture into Balls:

Use a cookie scoop to portion out equal-sized amounts of the meat mixture. Roll them into balls with your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can also chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls:

Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes at 425°F or for 20-35 minutes at 350°F, depending on the recipe and your oven. Bake until they are golden brown or reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Serve and Store:

Serve the keto sausage balls immediately as a delicious appetizer or snack. You can also serve them with eggs for breakfast or alongside a hearty salad for lunch or dinner. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to six months. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and meats to create your own unique keto sausage balls!

Nutritional information

Keto sausage balls are a great low-carb alternative to traditional sausage balls, which are often made with high-carb ingredients like flour or bread crumbs. The nutritional information for keto sausage balls will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but they typically have a very low carbohydrate content, ranging from 0.4 to 3.5 net carbs per serving.

A typical keto sausage ball recipe might include the following ingredients:

• Ground sausage (often Italian sausage or breakfast sausage)
• Almond flour or coconut flour (as a low-carb alternative to regular flour)
• Cheese (such as cheddar, parmesan, or cream cheese)
• Eggs
• Spices and seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning)
• Baking powder
• Milk or sour cream

Some recipes may also include additional ingredients like butter, sugar-free maple syrup, or green onions. The nutritional information for a keto sausage ball will depend on the specific ingredients used, but here is a general idea based on some example recipes:

Calories:

Keto sausage balls typically range from around 60 to 100 calories per ball, depending on the ingredients and the size of the ball. For example, a recipe that makes 25 sausage balls with a net carb count of 0.8 per ball lists a calorie count of 62kcal per ball. Another recipe that makes slightly larger sausage balls and includes additional ingredients like cream cheese and maple syrup lists a calorie count of 82kcal per ball.

Carbohydrates:

The main benefit of keto sausage balls is their low carbohydrate content, which is typically less than 1 gram of net carbs per ball. For example, one recipe that makes 24 sausage balls lists the net carb count as 1 gram per serving (4 balls), while another recipe that makes 36 sausage balls lists the net carb count as 0.3 grams per ball.

Protein:

The protein content of keto sausage balls will vary depending on the type of meat and cheese used, but is typically around 2-6 grams per ball. For example, a recipe that uses ground pork sausage and cheddar cheese lists a protein content of 6 grams per ball, while a recipe that uses Italian sausage and a combination of cheeses lists a protein content of 2.4 grams per ball.

Fat:

The fat content of keto sausage balls can vary depending on the type of meat, cheese, and other ingredients used, but is typically between 4 and 8 grams per ball. For example, a recipe that uses breakfast sausage, butter, and coconut flour lists a fat content of 7 grams per ball, while a recipe that uses ground pork sausage, cream cheese, and maple syrup lists a fat content of 6 grams per ball.

Sodium:

The sodium content of keto sausage balls can vary depending on the type of meat, cheese, and seasonings used, but is typically between 70 and 150 mg per ball. For example, a recipe that uses breakfast sausage and cheddar cheese lists a sodium content of 78.4 mg per ball, while a recipe that uses ground pork sausage, cream cheese, and maple syrup lists a sodium content of 147 mg per ball.

Fiber:

The fiber content of keto sausage balls will vary depending on the type of flour or bread crumbs used, but is typically less than 1 gram per ball. For example, a recipe that uses almond flour lists a fiber content of 0.1 grams per ball, while a recipe that uses coconut flour lists a fiber content of 0.3 grams per ball.

Sugar:

The sugar content of keto sausage balls is typically very low, with most recipes listing less than 1 gram of sugar per ball. This is because keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and sugar-free maple syrup are used in place of high-sugar ingredients.

In addition to the nutritional benefits of keto sausage balls, they are also a convenient and versatile food that can be made in advance and frozen for later. They can be served as a quick and easy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or an appetizer for a party. They can be dipped in a variety of keto-friendly sauces, such as ranch dressing, sugar-free ketchup, or mustard.

How to serve keto sausage balls

Keto sausage balls are a great snack option for those on a keto diet. They are easy to make and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to serve keto sausage balls:

As an Appetizer

Keto sausage balls can be served as a tasty appetizer for any occasion. They are a perfect grab-and-go option for parties or gatherings. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. To keep them warm, use a Crockpot set to "Warm" or "Low".

For Breakfast

These sausage balls also make a great breakfast option. They can be enjoyed with eggs or as a quick, on-the-go breakfast by themselves.

For Lunch or Dinner

Keto sausage balls can be served with a hearty salad for lunch or dinner. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a filling option for a meal.

With Dipping Sauces

You can serve keto sausage balls with various dipping sauces to enhance their flavor. Some options include low-carb barbecue sauce, dairy-free keto ranch dressing, keto honey mustard, or sugar-free ketchup.

As Part of Meal Prep

Keto sausage balls are excellent for meal prep. You can make a double batch and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. They reheat well and can be a convenient option for a quick meal or snack throughout the week.

Customize to Your Taste

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can use spicy sausage, add fresh herbs, or switch up the type of cheese used.

Keto sausage balls are a versatile and tasty addition to your keto diet. With their ease of preparation and various serving options, they can be a regular part of your meal plan or a delicious appetizer for your next gathering.

How to store keto sausage balls

Storing keto sausage balls is easy and will ensure that you always have a delicious, low-carb snack on hand! Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them properly:

Storing Uncooked Keto Sausage Balls:

Before cooking your keto sausage balls, you can prepare the mixture and form it into balls. Store these uncooked balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. This is a great option if you want to make a big batch and bake them in smaller batches as needed.

Storing Cooked Keto Sausage Balls:

Once your keto sausage balls are cooked, you have a few storage options to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Place the cooked sausage balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days.
• Freezer: If you want to store your cooked keto sausage balls for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to six months. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack whenever you want without having to cook a new batch each time!
• Crockpot: If you're serving keto sausage balls as an appetizer, you can keep them warm and tasty by storing them in a crockpot set to "Warm" or "Low."

Reheating Tips:

To enjoy your stored keto sausage balls at their best, follow these simple reheating instructions:

• Microwave: Place the sausage balls in the microwave and heat them in 20-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.
• Oven: Reheat the sausage balls in a preheated oven until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can also reheat the sausage balls until crispy and warm.

Remember, keto sausage balls are versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. So, whether you're looking for a quick snack, a tasty breakfast, or an impressive appetizer, storing your keto sausage balls properly will ensure they are always ready to enjoy!

Variations to the keto sausage balls recipe

There are several ways to change up the classic keto sausage balls recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy sausage balls

As mentioned in the recipe, you can use spicy sausage instead of regular sausage to add a kick. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra spicy kick.

Different cheeses

You can experiment with different types of cheese in your sausage balls. Try using pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, or parmesan cheese instead of cheddar cheese. You could also use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.

Fresh herbs

Adding some fresh herbs to the mixture can brighten up the flavor of the sausage balls. Try using chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You could also add some chopped scallions or chives for a mild onion flavor.

Dipping sauces

Serve your sausage balls with a variety of dipping sauces to change up the flavor. Some options include keto ranch dressing, keto honey mustard, sugar-free ketchup, or low-carb barbecue sauce.

Cream cheese

Some keto sausage balls recipes call for cream cheese in addition to shredded cheese. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the sausage balls. You can also try using flavored cream cheese, such as garlic and herb, for an extra boost of flavor.

Coconut flour

If you can't use almond flour, you can try substituting it with coconut flour. However, coconut flour is more drying, so you'll need to use less. Try using 1/4 cup of coconut flour in place of the almond flour.

Frequently asked questions