Here’s a tasty recipe for Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy on the edges, tossing halfway through.
- Cook Chorizo: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, toss them with the cooked chorizo in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
These bites are great as an appetizer or a hearty snack. Enjoy!
The addition of sweet potatoes brings a subtle sweetness and a moist texture to the sausage balls, creating a harmonious balance between savory and sweet. This unexpected twist elevates the humble sausage ball into something truly special. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the chorizo, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
To make these sweet potato sausage balls, start by roasting sweet potatoes until they are tender and caramelized. Once cooled, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with Mexican-style chorizo, which adds a bold and peppery kick to the dough. Instead of using traditional breakfast sausage, the chorizo infuses the sausage balls with its rich, spicy flavor. Mix in some shredded cheese and a touch of flour to bind the ingredients together, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Shape the mixture into small balls and bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through. The result is a batch of sausage balls that are both flavorful and moist, with a delightful hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes. These little bites are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a unique appetizer at your next gathering.
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from decadent casseroles and silky pies to hearty soups and stews. Their natural sweetness and rich texture make them a wonderful addition to many recipes. In this case, they provide a delightful twist on a Southern classic, showcasing how local ingredients and creative cooking can transform traditional dishes into something new and exciting.
So next time you’re preparing sausage balls for a party or a family gathering, consider giving this local twist a try. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and spicy chorizo is sure to impress and delight your guests, bringing a taste of our hometown’s unique culinary flair to your table.
Sweet potato sausage balls combine the hearty, comforting flavor of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory richness of sausage. This innovative recipe might not be the first thing you think of when planning dishes for fall or Thanksgiving, but it’s a standout option that blends tradition with creativity. In her Mississippi hometown, this appetizer is a local favorite, often prepared by the wives of sweet potato farmers who know how to make the most of their crop.
To make sweet potato sausage balls, start by roasting sweet potatoes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Once cooled, mash them until smooth and mix them with seasoned sausage meat. Adding spices and herbs can further enhance the flavor profile, ensuring that the sweet potatoes complement rather than overpower the sausage.
Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and bake them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The result is a deliciously unique appetizer that combines the sweetness of the potatoes with the savory taste of sausage, creating a mouthwatering bite that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Not only do these sausage balls provide a creative use for sweet potatoes, but they also offer a tasty alternative to more traditional party snacks. Their rich flavor and appealing texture make them a memorable addition to any appetizer spread. So, next time you’re looking to add a special touch to your Thanksgiving or fall menu, consider trying April McGreger’s sweet potato sausage balls—a tribute to both her family’s legacy and the culinary possibilities of sweet potatoes.
Spicy Chorizo Sausage Balls
These spicy chorizo sausage balls are a bold and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. With the kick of Mexican-style chorizo, the richness of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from plum jelly, these savory bites are sure to impress. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Mexican-style chorizo sausage
- 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup plum jelly (or your preferred fruit preserve)
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chorizo sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you like it extra spicy, add the cayenne pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Egg: Add the egg to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The egg acts as a binder to help hold the sausage balls together.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each ball to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. They should have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Glaze: While the sausage balls are baking, heat the plum jelly in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes liquid. If the jelly is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the sausage balls are out of the oven, brush them with the warmed plum jelly glaze for a touch of sweetness and extra flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature.
These chorizo sausage balls are perfect for game days, parties, or as a hearty appetizer. The combination of spicy chorizo, sharp cheddar, and sweet plum jelly creates a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy!