These Paleo Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy delight perfect for low-carb and grain-free lifestyles. Made with almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, they deliver a tender bite while keeping carbs in check. The combination of ground sausage, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic and paprika creates an irresistible flavor that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering, game day, or just want a quick protein-packed snack, these sausage balls hit the spot. They store beautifully, making them an excellent option for meal prep, and can easily be paired with a variety of dips like spicy mustard or creamy ranch. Plus, with their golden-brown exterior and fragrant aroma, they’re as appealing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground pork sausage (sugar-free, nitrate-free)
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1 cup almond flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1/4 tsp sea salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add the ground sausage and shredded cheese to the dry mixture.
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Pour in the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 24 balls
Paleo Sausage Balls – A Low-Carb, Flavor-Packed Appetizer
If you’re looking for an appetizer or snack that’s not only bursting with flavor but also fits into a low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly lifestyle, these Paleo Sausage Balls are the perfect choice. Whether you’re following a keto diet, trying to cut back on grains, or simply looking for a savory bite to serve at your next gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Unlike traditional sausage balls that rely on all-purpose flour or baking mix for binding, this version uses almond flour. This simple swap makes the recipe completely grain-free while adding a subtle nutty flavor and boosting the nutrient profile. Paired with high-quality ground sausage, sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese if needed), and a handful of spices, these sausage balls are a delicious, satisfying treat you can enjoy guilt-free.
Why Paleo Sausage Balls Are a Must-Try
The magic of these sausage balls lies in their versatility. They’re perfect for:
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Game day snacks – Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing during football season or casual get-togethers.
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Meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week.
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Party platters – They hold their shape beautifully and stay flavorful even as they cool, making them ideal for buffet tables.
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On-the-go bites – Store a few in a container for a protein-packed snack between meals.
Since they’re baked rather than fried, you can prepare them with minimal fuss and cleanup. Plus, the baking process allows the fat from the sausage to mingle with the almond flour and cheese, creating moist, tender bites with a slightly crisp exterior.
The Nutritional Advantage
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how it fits into various dietary plans:
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Low-Carb/Keto: Almond flour keeps the carb count low while the protein and fat content help maintain satiety and stable energy levels.
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Gluten-Free: No wheat or grains are used, making this a safe choice for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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Paleo-Friendly: By choosing dairy-free cheese or omitting it altogether, you can keep the recipe paleo-compliant without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx.):
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Calories: ~150
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Protein: 8–10g
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Fat: 12g
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Net Carbs: 1–2g
These values make the sausage balls a great fit for anyone looking to increase their protein intake while keeping carbs minimal.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to maximizing flavor and quality, ingredient selection is key.
Sausage: Opt for sugar-free, nitrate-free pork sausage to keep the recipe as clean as possible. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Almond Flour: Use fine almond flour rather than almond meal for the smoothest texture. Almond flour also adds a boost of vitamin E, healthy fats, and magnesium.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage. For dairy-free or paleo diets, a plant-based cheese alternative works well.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth of flavor without overpowering the sausage. You can experiment with other spices like crushed red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These sausage balls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a sauce or side takes them to the next level.
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
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Creamy ranch dressing
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Spicy mustard
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Sugar-free barbecue sauce
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Avocado-lime crema
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Dairy-free chipotle mayo
Serving Suggestions:
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Arrange them on a charcuterie board alongside olives, pickles, and fresh veggie sticks.
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Serve with a light salad for a quick low-carb lunch.
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Add them to breakfast plates with scrambled eggs and sautéed greens.
Storage & Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. You can prepare a batch in advance and enjoy them over several days.
Refrigerator: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. For a crispier exterior, reheat in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 350°F.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the joys of this dish is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
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Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
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Boost the veggies: Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed in for extra nutrients.
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Change the protein: Try ground beef, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
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Experiment with cheeses: Pepper jack adds heat, mozzarella gives a milder stretch, and gouda offers a smoky note.
When to Serve Paleo Sausage Balls
This recipe works in countless scenarios:
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Holiday gatherings: Place them on a festive appetizer platter.
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Brunch spreads: They fit perfectly alongside egg bakes, fruit salad, and coffee.
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Picnics & potlucks: Easy to transport and serve, with no utensils required.
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Weeknight dinners: Pair with roasted veggies for a quick, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Paleo Sausage Balls are the perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing flavor. They check all the boxes for those following low-carb, keto, gluten-free, or paleo lifestyles, yet they’re so delicious that even those not on a special diet will come back for seconds.
By swapping out traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour, you get all the savory, cheesy goodness without the grains or excess carbs. Their make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature also makes them an excellent go-to recipe for busy schedules.
Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a protein-rich snack, or part of a meal, these sausage balls will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With endless variations and dipping options, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy them.