Discover the ultimate Pizza Balls Recipe, a delightful and incredibly simple appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering or just a fun weeknight treat. These savory bites are a game-changer, offering all the classic pizza flavors you love in a convenient, bite-sized package that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Pizza Balls Recipe
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, for serving
- Optional toppings: extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Pizza Balls Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly easy it is to craft these delicious Pizza Balls Recipe. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of irresistible bites that are a perfect balance of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and classic pizza seasonings. The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for busy hosts and even novice cooks, promising a deeply satisfying snack with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the pizza balls from sticking.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a sturdy spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough pizza balls.
- Form the Balls: Take about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture and roll it between your palms to form a compact ball, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent sizing so they cook evenly.
- Add the Mozzarella: Once you have formed a ball, gently press a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese into the center of the ball. Then, carefully close the sausage mixture around the cheese, ensuring it’s fully enclosed to create a molten cheese center.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the formed pizza balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Serve Warm: Remove the pizza balls from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Balls Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Pizza Balls Recipe for its sheer convenience and incredible flavor. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the perfect marriage of savory Italian sausage and melty mozzarella, all contained within a perfectly seasoned bite. Making these at home is remarkably cost-effective compared to ordering pizza or buying pre-made appetizers, offering a budget-friendly way to impress your guests or yourself. The aromatic blend of herbs and garlic, coupled with the rich taste of the sausage, creates an irresistible experience that rivals any traditional pizza, but with so much less fuss.
These Pizza Balls Recipe are an ideal substitute for your typical pizza night, transforming a familiar favorite into a fun, shareable appetizer. They are incredibly versatile, fitting into casual game nights, sophisticated cocktail parties, or even as a fun addition to a kid-friendly meal. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delightful bites today – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure you can enjoy your delicious Pizza Balls Recipe later, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, store any leftover pizza balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooled pizza balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating is just as simple. For refrigerator-stored pizza balls, reheat them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. They can also be reheated in a microwave for about 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some of their crispness. Frozen pizza balls can be reheated directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Balls Recipe offers a delightful and effortless way to enjoy beloved pizza flavors in a fun, new format. Give them a try for your next occasion, and get ready to be a recipe hero!
Pizza Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper to the mixture.1 pound ground Italian sausage, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a sturdy spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough pizza balls.
- Take about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture and roll it between your palms to form a compact ball, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent sizing so they cook evenly.
- Once you have formed a ball, gently press a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese into the center of the ball. Then, carefully close the sausage mixture around the cheese, ensuring it’s fully enclosed to create a molten cheese center.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Place the formed pizza balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the pizza balls from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.1/2 cup marinara sauce, extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil