Simple Pecan Turkey Sausage Balls Recipe
This simple Pecan Turkey Sausage balls recipe is a crowd pleaser. We take the southern sausage ball and make it better with using ground turkey and chopped pecans.
SAUSAGE BALLS is one of the most popular recipes here in the South. They are easy and absolutely delicious. We took the sausage ball and added texture and flavor while using ground turkey as well as chopped pecans.
Around the holidays there are quite a few recipes that my family just expects me to make. Recipes like FUDGE, PECAN BRITTLE and PINEAPPLE CHEESE CASSEROLE. These are quickly becoming one of their favorites too!
Ingredients
This is so much like regular sausage balls it is almost a duplicate of that recipe. We add a few different things and the result is delicious.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Lots of folks will tell you that you can mix sausage balls in a stand mixer. I do NOT recommend doing that as the mixture is too thick. What I do recommend is letting your ingredients be room temperature and using your hands!
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour and pecans.
Add in baking powder.
Salt.
Cayenne pepper and mix them all well. I like to use a whisk so it sort of sifts it all.
Add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
Crumble raw ground turkey in dry mixture.
Add in sharp cheddar and mix well, slowly with hands until all flour is incorporated. Add 1 to 2 more tbsps of avocado oil if they seem too dry.
Roll into 1 to 2 inch balls and place on prepared sheet pan. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool a bit before serving.
Why Brooke loves this recipe!
Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!
Small bites and appetizers are a sure fun way to fellowship with one another. Things like these pecan sausage balls are perfect for snacking while visiting with family or friends. Food brings people together so make it good food for good company!
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Variations and Substitutions
Here are some creative ideas to make this simple and easy pecan turkey sausage balls recipe even better.
- Spicy – we only add a bit of cayenne, feel free to add a bit more to really make these pop with spice.
- Dip – who doesn’t love a dip. A good simple dip for these is about half a cup of sour cream or greek yogurt, a couple of tablespoons of mayo and mustard and more of your favorite spices.
- Sweet – adding a bit of sweet to spicy foods is a wildly popular thing to do. Add a little vanilla extract or even a dusting of brown sugar to really make these something new.
Equipment
🔧 I love to share recipes that are no special equipment required but here are a few things that would definitely make this recipe easier!
Storage
These keep very well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
They also freeze well too. Raw or cooked, I like to freeze on a sheet pan and when hardened, move them to a freezer safe bag.
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Simple and Easy Pecan Turkey Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz ground turkey sausage raw
- 2 cups all purpose flour whole wheat
- 3/4 cup pecans chopped
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 to 4 TBSPS avocado oil
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, pecans, baking powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Mix well.2 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup pecans, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Add about 1 to 2 tbsps of avocado oil. Break turkey sausage up and add to oil and dry ingredients. Add grated cheddar and mix well by hand adding 1 to 2 tbsps more of oil if needed.16 oz ground turkey sausage, 2 to 4 TBSPS avocado oil, 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- Roll into 1 to 2 inch balls and place on prepare sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool a bit before serving.
See How To Make It!
🍴 PRO TIP!
Make these beauties ahead of time. Roll them up and freeze them on a sheet pan. Once frozen, add them to a freezer safe container or bag and get out what you need. Thaw at room temperature and bake as directed!
🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S
Not necessarily, I do think sausage balls in general are better with sharp cheddar but really any good cheese that can stand up to grating will work just fine.
I would not. Let’s just say, I may or may not have burned the motor up in one with sausage balls. Let your ingredients come to room temperature and mix slowly by hand. The oil helps get the dry ingredients incorporated and you can use up to 4 tablespoons if needed.
I like to put a ball in the space in my palm to measure. You can also use a medium or small ice cream scoop to measure them out the same size. Just watch them during cooking time to insure they don’t get over done if you make small balls.
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Reader Review
“I loved the freezer tips and made a double batch so we could enjoy some next week. This easy delicious recipe is a keeper.”
– Karen
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