Sausage Cheese Balls with Bourbon Mustard Glaze
As featured on Today in Nashville with Chef Zac, one of the Nossi Culinary Program Instructors.
Chef Zac, one of our culinary instructors, recently showcased this show-stopping Thanksgiving appetizer on Today in Nashville, and the response was incredible! These crispy, golden sausage cheese balls paired with a sophisticated bourbon mustard glaze are the perfect combination of comfort food and elevated entertaining.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a holiday gathering, or game day party, this recipe delivers every time. The secret? That 30-minute chill time and the perfect crunch-to-tender ratio that Chef Zac has perfected over years of teaching our culinary students.
Special thanks to Today in Nashville for featuring our talented Chef Zac!
Chef Zac at Today in Nashville
Cooking Demo Today in Nashville
Cooking Studio at Today in Nashville
Chef Zac Cooking Demo on Today in Nashville
Sausage Cheese Balls with Bourbon Mustard Glaze
40 minutes
15 minutes
55 minutes
40 sausage balls
Ingredients
For the Sausage Balls:
- 2 lbs. good country sausage
- 2 sleeves saltine-style crackers, crushed
- 1½ cups fresh shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Bourbon Mustard Glaze:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 oz. (2 shots) bourbon
- ⅓ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp. honey
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven – Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix Your Base – In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers, eggs, and buttermilk; mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add Protein & Cheese – Fold in sausage and cheese, mixing gently to avoid overworking the mixture.
- Chill the Mixture – Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the balls hold their shape during baking.
- Form the Balls – Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut) and place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 12 minutes, then check progress. Continue baking for 3-6 more minutes until golden brown with a crunchy exterior and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Make the Glaze – While sausage balls bake, whisk together mayonnaise, bourbon, yellow mustard, and honey in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Serve – Transfer sausage balls to a serving platter and serve warm with bourbon mustard glaze for dipping.
Chef's Tips from Our Culinary Program
- Make Ahead: Form balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to cook time.
- Glaze Variations: Swap bourbon for apple cider for a family-friendly version, or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serving Size: Plan for 4-5 balls per person as an appetizer.
Want to Cook Like a Pro?
Our Culinary Arts Program teaches students the techniques, creativity, and confidence to excel in professional kitchens. From appetizers to fine dining, our hands-on curriculum prepares the next generation of culinary talent—just like the students you saw on Today in Nashville!