Cheesy Sausage Meatballs – A classic comfort food appetizer with a healthy twist. Quinoa helps make these sausage balls healthier, without losing any great flavor.
Are you ready for the holidays? Is your tree up? Is your house decorated? I can finally say ‘yes’ to some those questions. But am I ready? Not even close! I have no idea what I am going to do for presents. My husband is nearly impossible to shop for, and I haven’t even started. And, my son doesn’t seem to want anything exciting for Christmas. He is very into sports, so a few jerseys from his favorite players and a couple games make up most of his list. Santa is going to have a tough job with him this year! On Christmas Eve we always give him a couple small presents to open. Usually a pair of pajamas and a Christmas ornament. This year he told me I didn’t need to get him pajamas, because he doesn’t really wear the matching pajama sets anymore. Seriously?! When did my 9 year old get so old!
Since December seems to be the time for tons of get togethers, I am sharing one of my favorite appetizers with you. In case you are new around these parts, I am a huge meatball lover. Italian Meatballs, chicken meatballs, stuffing meatballs, turkey meatballs; pretty much any time you roll meat into a ball I am going to like it. This time though, I made them a little healthier. With all of the cookies and fudge that is all over the place, you will thank me for these!
To bulk up the meatballs you mix in some cooked quinoa. Perfect to bump up the health factor, and make them better for you. The sausage is definitely the star though, so no worries about these tasting like health food. Plus, cheese. You can never go wrong when you add cheese to something. These cheesy sausage meatballs will make a great addition to any holiday get together. Heck, we had them for dinner the other night because we liked them so much!
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbls cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
- 1 pound pork sausage (reduced fat)
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked thru.
Recipe from Cooking Light
Erin S
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heather+@french+press says
December 4, 2014 at 9:09 amI LOVE that you made them healthier, so now when I eat the entire plate I don’t have to feel as bad
Kim+-+Liv+Life says
December 4, 2014 at 11:13 amAhhh…. I remember when all my son wanted was a jersey for his favorite player!! Somehow things changed, and as they get older the price of the presents seems to go up. #eek!!!
But some things don’t change, like how good meatballs are for gatherings. Love the quinoa in this one!! My kind of meatball!
Marjory+@+Dinner-Mom says
December 4, 2014 at 11:54 amMeatballs are always such hit at parties…or dinner! Time goes by so fast now. I’ve got my tree up, but need to decorate it stat 🙂
Laura says
December 4, 2014 at 4:14 pmPerfect for parties or even just for dinner. These meatballs looks amazing.
Kristen says
December 4, 2014 at 4:27 pmMy roommate in college introduced me to the sausage/bisquick/cheese meatball appetizers. Your version, made with real ingredients sounds so much better!
anna says
December 4, 2014 at 9:42 pmPork sausage like the kind that comes in a plastic roll used for breakfast?
Erin S says
December 5, 2014 at 7:38 amYes Anna! I think Jimmy Dean makes one of those tubes that says reduced fat. Or just the original one if you can’t find it. Enjoy!
Kim+Beaulieu says
December 4, 2014 at 11:27 pmI heart you so much right now. These will be a hit with the guys.