Sausage Balls

Those who don't like sauerkraut like these.  This can be made in the air-fryer or oven too, to make it a little healthier.    You can also substitute the sausage with left over ham or roast beef, but you need to grind the meat.  

SAUSAGE BALLS

(makes 45-50)

Ingredients:

*2 pounds pork sausage (if you like things spicy, get spicy pork sausage)

*1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 (14 ounce) bag or can of sauerkraut, drained well and chopped very fine (I use a food processor).

*1/2 teaspoon mustard or dijon mustard

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*3 tablespoons bread crumbs

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 

*1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

*2 tablespoons dried parsley 

Coating Ingredients:

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1 large egg, beaten

*1/4 cup milk

*1 cup bread crumbs or panko crumbs

*6-8 cups vegetable oil for deep frying 

*cooking spray for air fryer and oven

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

*1/3 cup  mayonnaise 

*1-2 teaspoons hot sauce 

*1 tablespoon mustard 

*2 tablespoon honey

Dipping Sauce Directions:

~Whip all the ingredients into a small bowl.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Sausage Directions:

~In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry 2 pounds pork sausage, 1/2 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves until sausage is browned and onion is soft.

~Drain grease.

~Place into a large bowl.

~Add 8 ounces cream cheese, 14 ounce chopped and drained sauerkraut, 1/2 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 3 tablespoons bread crumbs, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup sharp cheese, and 2 tablespoons parsley flakes and mix until well blended.

~Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes (can do this the night before, but you won't need to stir).

~Whisk 1 large egg and 1/4 cup milk into a bowl.

~Place 1 cup flour into a separate bowl.

~Place 1 cup bread or panko crumbs into a separate bowl.

~Shape mixture into 1-inch balls (I use a cookie scoop).

~Coat balls with flour, coating all sides

~Dip balls into egg milk mixture, coating all sides.

~Dip balls into bread crumbs, coating all sides.

Deep Fried Directions:

~Heat oil 6-8 cups vegetable oil to 375 degrees in a deep fryer or heavy bottom skillet. 

~Carefully add a few balls into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until a light golden brown, flipping as they cook .

~Remove from hot oil, and place on a paper towel lined baking sheet.

~Eat hot and dip in sauce.

Oven Directions:

~Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~Place coated sauerkraut balls on baking sheet.

~Spray sauerkraut balls with cooking spray.

~Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

~Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before eating, so they don't fall apart.

Air Fryer Directions:

~Add sauerkraut balls into basket and spray with cooking spray.

~Fry for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown, for 8-12 minutes at 375 degrees (you may need to turn half way through).

~Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before eating, so they don't fall apart.