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Spicy Sausage Balls

Source of Recipe

From "Pig: King of the Southern Table" by James Villas


Recipe Introduction

"I think sausage balls must have been a beloved staple of Southern cocktail parties and receptions ever since the first bourbon whiskey was distilled, so much so that hosts and hostesses bestow upon them the honor being served in silver chafing dishes—plain or with some type of tomato sauce. The balls in this recipe are pretty basic, but if you care to experiment, add a little curry or chili powder, soy sauce, grated cheddar cheese, or even finely chopped mushrooms. What's really convenient is that the balls can be made well in advance and frozen till you're ready to pop them into the oven at the last minute for unexpected guests."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 pound bulk pork sausage
â—¦ 1 large egg, beaten
â—¦ ¼ cup ketchup
â—¦ 2 tablespoons minced chives
â—¦ 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
â—¦ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
â—¦ ½ cup dry bread crumbs


Recipe

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix with your hands till well blended. Form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter, place on a large baking sheet, and either cover and refrigerate overnight or cover, freeze, and store in plastic bags till ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Arrange the balls on the slotted rack of a large broiling pan and bake till golden, about 12 minutes if chilled, 15 minutes if frozen. Serve hot with cocktails.

Makes about 60 balls