Mrs. Morris’ Favorite “Opossum Balls”

I’ll never forget the day Mrs. Morris introduced these savory little bites in Home Economics. We were a gaggle of awkward teenagers, perpetually hungry and easily grossed out. When she announced we were making “Opossum Balls,” a collective “Ew!” rippled through the classroom. But Mrs. Morris just chuckled, a twinkle in her eye, and said, “Trust me, girls, these will disappear faster than you can say ‘opossum.'” And boy, was she right. The moment the warm, cheesy aroma filled the room, our skepticism vanished, replaced by a chorus of “Mmm, these are amazing!”

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Varies
• Yield: Approximately 24 balls, depending on size
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 lb hot sausage, mild sausage can be substituted
• 1 egg
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (1 lb)
• 3 cups Bisquick

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This is crucial to ensuring even cooking and a lovely golden-brown exterior.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot sausage, egg, sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick.

   Tip: Ensure the sausage is removed from its casing before adding it to the bowl. This will make mixing much easier! If using mild sausage, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

3. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be somewhat homogenous and hold together well.

   Tip: Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated.

4. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into walnut-sized balls. Roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, round shape.

   Tip: For consistent sizing, you can use a small cookie scoop. This will also help the “opossum balls” cook evenly.

5. Place the formed balls onto a cookie sheet. No need to grease the sheet, as the sausage will release enough fat to prevent sticking.

   Tip: Ensure the balls are evenly spaced on the cookie sheet to promote uniform browning.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

   Tip: To ensure the sausage is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

7. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

   Tip: Allowing the “opossum balls” to cool slightly will help them firm up and be easier to handle.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend.

• Sausage Enhancement: For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the sausage in a pan before adding it to the other ingredients. This will add a deeper, richer taste. Let it cool slightly before mixing.

• Make-Ahead Option: These “opossum balls” are perfect for making ahead. Prepare the mixture, shape the balls, and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.

• Freezing for Later: Sausage cheese balls freeze beautifully after baking. Once cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Elevating the Flavor: For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Mrs. Morris’ “Opossum Balls” warm as an appetizer, snack, or party food. They’re fantastic on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven until heated through. For frozen “opossum balls,” thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	215 kcal	11%
Total Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	450mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	8g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Sugars	1g	2%
Protein	10g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick.

• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with a vegetarian sausage alternative. Ensure the vegetarian sausage is well-seasoned to maintain the flavor profile.

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for an extra layer of heat.

• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a more sophisticated flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. Prepare the mixture, shape the balls, and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these after baking?
A: Yes, sausage cheese balls freeze beautifully after baking. Once cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Q: What can I serve these with?
A: These are delicious on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.

Q: Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage?
A: Yes, you can use mild sausage. However, you may want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some other spice to give them a little kick.

Final Thoughts

Mrs. Morris’ “Opossum Balls” might sound a little strange, but trust me, they are incredibly delicious and surprisingly addictive. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or even a simple weeknight snack. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by these savory little bites. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience. Perhaps pair them with a crisp, cold glass of lemonade or your favorite beer. Enjoy!