Roscoe's Recipes

Southern Recipes and Soul Food

Category: Appetizers

  • Low Carb Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Keto-Friendly Snack for Busy Families and Game Day

    Low Carb Sausage Balls: The Ultimate Keto-Friendly Snack for Busy Families and Game Day

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Looking for a simple, low carb snack that’s perfect for busy mornings, game day parties, or meal prep?

    Low carb sausage balls are a go-to recipe that fits every occasion. Packed with protein, full of flavor, and naturally keto-friendly, these sausage balls are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

    Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, cutting back on carbs, or just want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is a must-have in your rotation.

    You may also like:

    What Makes Low Carb Sausage Balls So Popular?

    Traditional sausage balls rely on high-carb baking mixes, but this low carb version skips the flour entirely. By using protein-rich ingredients and a touch of creamy cheese, these sausage balls are:

    • Keto-friendly and low in carbs
    • Moist and flavorful thanks to cream cheese
    • Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
    • Perfectly sized for snacking, meal prep, or party trays

    They’re not just for breakfast—these sausage balls are versatile enough to serve at lunch, dinner, or even as a game day appetizer.

    When to Make Low Carb Sausage Balls

    These sausage balls are ideal for year-round snacking:

    • Weekday meal prep: Bake a batch on Sunday for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks during the week.
    • Game day favorites: Serve them as a hearty appetizer at football parties or watch parties.
    • Holiday gatherings: Add them to party trays or brunch spreads.
    • Freezer-friendly option: They freeze beautifully, so you always have a low carb snack on hand.

    No matter the season, low carb sausage balls are an easy solution when you need something quick, filling, and crowd-pleasing.

    Creative Ways to Serve Low Carb Sausage Balls

    While breakfast and brunch are popular times to enjoy sausage balls, don’t stop there:

    • Game day snacks: Pair with sugar-free BBQ sauce, spicy mustard, or ranch.
    • Lunchbox addition: Great for adults and teens looking for a high-protein, low carb option.
    • Appetizers: Serve with toothpicks at parties or casual get-togethers.
    • Meal prep combos: Add alongside eggs or avocado for a balanced, keto-friendly meal.

    With a little creativity, sausage balls become a versatile low carb crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

    Tips for Perfect Low Carb Sausage Balls

    To get the best results:

    • Use cream cheese to bind the mixture and keep it moist.
    • Roll balls to an even size for consistent baking.
    • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
    • Freeze extras by flash freezing on a sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

    These simple tips ensure every bite is golden, flavorful, and satisfying.

    Who Will Love This Recipe?

    Low carb sausage balls are a hit with:

    • Keto followers and low carb enthusiasts
    • Busy families looking for quick breakfast or snack options
    • Game day hosts needing easy appetizers
    • Kids and picky eaters who love familiar flavors without complicated ingredients
    • Budget-conscious cooks since this recipe is easy to double or triple

    This recipe hits all the marks: quick, easy, low carb, and family-friendly.

    FAQs About Low Carb Sausage Balls

    1. Can I make sausage balls without flour or baking mix?
    Yes! This recipe relies on sausage, cheese, eggs, and cream cheese, creating a naturally low carb, gluten-free sausage ball that holds together beautifully.

    2. Are low carb sausage balls keto-friendly?
    Absolutely. With minimal carbs and plenty of protein and fat, they’re perfect for a keto diet.

    3. How should I store and reheat them?
    Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain a crispy exterior.

    4. Can I freeze them?
    Yes! Flash freeze on a baking sheet, transfer to a freezer bag, and reheat as needed for easy meal prep.

    5. What types of sausage and cheese work best?
    Mild, hot, or sage-flavored ground pork sausage all work. Cheddar is a favorite, but mozzarella or pepper jack can also add variety.

    6. Why do sausage balls sometimes fall apart?
    Using lean sausage or under-mixing can cause crumbly balls. Cream cheese helps bind everything and adds moisture.

    7. Can I cook them in the air fryer?
    Yes, air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispy outside without heating the oven.

    Why This Low Carb Sausage Ball Recipe Works

    This recipe is:

    • Quick and simple: Minimal ingredients, minimal prep
    • Crowd-friendly: Perfect for parties or meal prep
    • Keto-approved: Low carb, high protein, satisfying
    • Versatile: Breakfast, snack, lunch, or game day appetizer

    Keep this recipe in your arsenal for a go-to low carb snack that everyone will love.

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Ingredients:

    • 1 tube of Jimmy Dean raw ground sausage
    • 2 cups of mild shredded cheese
    • 2 eggs
    • 4 oz. cream cheese softened (not pictured below)
    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Directions:

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

    Place all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

    Mix all ingredients together until combined well.

    Scoop the mixture into two inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown.

    For this recipe, I was able to make 20 sausage balls.

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Low Carb Sausage Balls

    Ingredients

    • 1 tube of Jimmy Dean raw ground sausage
    • 2 cups of mild shredded cheese
    • 2 eggs
    • optional: 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

    Place all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

    Mix all ingredients together until combined well.

    Scoop the mixture into two inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown.

    For this recipe, I was able to make 20 sausage balls.

    © Roscoe
  • Sweet Potato Bites

    Sweet Potato Bites

    sweet potato bites

    Sweet Potato Bites

    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Cook time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 8

    Ingredients:

    • 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lb.)
    • 8 pecan halves
    • 4 medium-sized marshmallows
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 1/4 tsp salt

    Directions:

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut each potato into 4 even slices.

    In a bowl, pour the melted butter over the sliced sweet potatoes. Season with salt and mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.

    Arrange the coated sweet potato slices on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the slices over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

    Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and switch on the grill/roast setting.

    Drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potato slices.

    Cut the marshmallows in half and place them on top of the sweet potato slices.

    Roast the sweet potatoes with the marshmallows under the grill for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

    Once the marshmallows are toasted and slightly golden, remove the tray from the oven.

    Place a pecan half on top of each marshmallow-topped sweet potato slice.

    Serve the Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Pecans and Marshmallows while still warm and enjoy!

    sweet potato bites

    Sweet Potato Bites

    Sweet Potato Bites

    Ingredients

    • 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lbs)
    • 8 pecan halves
    • 4 medium-sized marshmallows
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 1/4 tsp salt

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut each potato into 4 even slices.

    In a bowl, pour the melted butter over the sliced sweet potatoes. Season with salt and mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.

    Arrange the coated sweet potato slices on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the slices over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

    Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and switch on the grill/roast setting.

    Drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potato slices.

    Cut the marshmallows in half and place them on top of the sweet potato slices.

    Roast the sweet potatoes with the marshmallows under the grill for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

    Once the marshmallows are toasted and slightly golden, remove the tray from the oven.

    Place a pecan half on top of each marshmallow-topped sweet potato slice.

    Serve the Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Pecans and Marshmallows while still warm and enjoy!

  • Irish Pub Nachos

    Irish Pub Nachos

    Irish Pub Nachos

    Irish Pub Nachos

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz bacon (half a pack)
    • 2-3 Russet Potatoes
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp paprika
    • 1 tbsp onion power
    • 1 tbsp garlic powder
    • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
    • Sour Cream to serve

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 400.

    Wash and dry the potatoes.

    Slice them into ¼ in slices.

    Place into a large bowl.

    Add Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, onion and garlic powder.

    Lay out flat on a second parchment lined baking sheet.

    Bake for 20 mins.

    Twist the bacon and place on parchment or foil lined baking sheet.

    Bake for about 15 min or until its reached your desired crispiness.

    Remove both from oven and turn the heat up to 475.

    Pat bacon dry and chop.

    Place potatoes in a single layer in a 8*8 dish.

    Layer potatoes, shredded cheese and bacon.

    Repeat until are stacked.

    Return to oven and leave for 3-5 mins until all cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Serve with green onion, chives and or sour cream.

    Irish Pub Nachos
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
    • 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup Buffalo Wings Sauce
    • 1/2 cup Ranch or Bleu Cheese Dressing
    • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

    Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

    Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.

    Scoop into shallow baking dish.

    Bake for 15 minutes.

    Remove, turn the oven to 375.

    Stir all the contents together making sure no large pockets of cream cheese are forming.

    Mix well return to oven for 7-10 min or until bubbly.

    Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve with crackers, chips, pretzels and/or vegetables.

    Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for Potlucks, Cookouts, and Weeknight Dinners

    If you’re looking for a pasta salad recipe that’s loaded with flavor and simple to make, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a solid go-to.

    Whether you’re heading to a family cookout, need something quick for a weeknight dinner, or just want a cold pasta salad that holds up well in the fridge, this one checks all the boxes.

    It’s creamy, packed with texture, and loaded with crowd-pleasing ingredients.

    You may also like:

    What Makes This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad So Popular?

    People love easy pasta salad recipes with ranch and bacon because they’re flavorful, flexible, and filling.

    The combination of rotini pasta, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and cool ranch dressing is just plain satisfying.

    Add in some colorful veggies like peas, carrots, grape tomatoes, and olives, and you’ve got something that’s easy on the eyes and big on taste.

    Who Is This Pasta Salad Recipe For?

    This recipe is ideal for busy families, folks who enjoy meal prepping, or anyone needing a cold side dish that’s easy to pull together with simple ingredients.

    It’s especially good for those who love make-ahead pasta salad recipes with ranch dressing and bacon—because once it’s chilled and the flavors have had time to come together, it tastes even better.

    When to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    This salad is perfect for summertime cookouts, Fourth of July gatherings, and weekend barbecues.

    It also works well year-round as a quick lunch option or an easy side dish for dinner. If you’ve got leftover chicken, you can even toss that in and turn it into a full meal.

    Where to Serve This Cold Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Think beyond your backyard.

    This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad travels well, making it great for church potlucks, school functions, tailgates, or office parties.

    Just keep it chilled until serving and it’ll be a hit anywhere you take it.

    Why This Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Ranch Works So Well

    There’s a reason this is one of the most searched for pasta salad recipes. The flavor is rich and creamy without being overwhelming.

    You get saltiness from the bacon, bite from the cheese, crunch from the veggies, and a tangy zip from the ranch dressing.

    Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together with ingredients that are either in your fridge already or easy to find at any grocery store.

    How to Serve and Store Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    After it’s been chilled for a couple of hours, give the salad a good stir and serve it cold. It pairs well with grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.

    You can even scoop it onto lettuce leaves for a low-carb lunch option. This cold pasta salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    If it starts to thicken up, stir in a little milk or a spoonful of mayo to bring the creaminess back.

    Creative Ways to Use This Pasta Salad

    Add shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a main dish. Serve in small cups for an easy party appetizer or picnic portion.

    Pack in lunchboxes for a filling, cold lunch that holds up well without reheating. Use as a topping for a baked potato or wrap in a tortilla for a quick handheld meal.

    This is a simple recipe, but it’s full of flavor, and it holds its own at just about any meal.

    If you’re looking for an easy cold pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon that’s always a hit, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

    Serve this pasta dish for your family! This pasta salad is also perfect to make to serve at your next neighborhood barbecue.

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups dry garden rotini pasta
    • 1 (1 ounce) package bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
    • 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

    For the dressing:

    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons)
    • ½ tsp. garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp. black pepper
    • 2 to 3 tbsp. milk

    Directions:

    Cook the pasta according to package recommendations. Drain well.

    Make the dressing by whisking together all of the ingredients.

    Toss together all of the salad ingredients until completely blended. Add the dressing and toss to combine.

    Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    1. Can I make bacon ranch pasta salad ahead of time?
    Yes, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is perfect to make ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after being refrigerated for a few hours, giving the flavors time to blend. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

    2. How long does cold bacon ranch pasta salad last in the fridge?
    This cold pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in a sealed container. If the dressing thickens over time, stir in a little milk or extra mayo to refresh the texture.

    3. What kind of pasta is best for ranch pasta salad recipes?
    Garden rotini is a great choice for this ranch pasta salad recipe because its shape holds onto the creamy dressing well. You can also use penne, bowtie, or elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.

    4. Can I add protein to make this a bacon ranch pasta salad with chicken?
    Absolutely. Adding grilled or shredded chicken to this easy bacon ranch pasta salad turns it into a full meal. It’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or meal prep for the week.

    5. What vegetables go well in a creamy ranch pasta salad?
    Frozen peas and carrots, grape tomatoes, and sliced black olives add color, texture, and flavor to this pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon. You can also mix in diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions depending on what you have available.

    6. Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of the homemade ranch dressing mix?
    Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use your favorite bottled ranch dressing for this easy pasta salad with bacon. However, using the sour cream, mayo, and ranch seasoning blend gives it a thicker, more flavorful homemade taste.

    7. What should I serve with bacon ranch pasta salad?
    This creamy ranch pasta salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats like BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches. It also pairs well with baked beans, corn on the cob, or any summer potluck spread.

    8. Is this a good make-ahead pasta salad for potlucks and cookouts?
    Yes, it’s one of the best pasta salads for potlucks and backyard cookouts because it holds up well when chilled and is always a crowd favorite. Just make sure to keep it cold until serving time.

    9. Can I make this ranch bacon pasta salad gluten-free?
    Yes, just use a gluten-free rotini or other gluten-free pasta. Be sure to double-check your ranch seasoning mix and bacon for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients as well.

    10. How do I keep bacon crispy in pasta salad recipes?
    To keep your bacon crispy in this bacon ranch pasta salad, cook it until it’s well-done and let it cool completely before mixing it in. Add it just before serving if you want to keep the texture crunchier.

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups dry garden rotini pasta
    • 1 (1 ounce) package bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
    • 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • For the dressing:
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons)
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

    Instructions

    Cook the pasta according to package recommendations. Drain well.

    Make the dressing by whisking together all of the ingredients.

    Toss together all of the salad ingredients until completely blended. Add the
    dressing and toss to combine.

    Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.