Irresistible Parmesan Breaded Italian Sausage Balls in Creamy Mascarpone Tomato Sauce

inmykitchenwithyou
May 8
3 min read

Some dishes make you happy just looking at them. The vibrant colours, inviting aroma, and promise of comforting flavours all come together in a way that instantly makes your mouth water. One such dish that embodies this experience is Parmesan Breaded Italian Sausage Balls in Creamy Mascarpone Tomato Sauce. Whether you are prepping for a cosy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish is bound to impress everyone at the table.

Crispy sausage meat balls on creamy tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves on a square white plate. Warm and appetizing presentation.

Parmesan Breaded Italian Sausage Balls in Creamy Mascarpone Tomato Sauce - The Recipe

At the heart of this recipe lies the flavourful richness of ground Italian sausage, with their blend of herbs and spices. These sausage balls are given a delightful twist with a crunchy Parmesan breading, which contrasts beautifully against the creamy mascarpone and tomato sauce.

The creamy mascarpone and tomato sauce is not just a supporting player; it’s a star in its own right. Mascarpone adds a luscious creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls:

1 pound of Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy, based on your preference)

1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs

1 tsp of garlic salt

1 tsp of dried oregano

1 tsp of dried basil

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup of plain flour

2 eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mascarpone Tomato Sauce:

- 1 cup of mascarpone cheese

- 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your sausage balls cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, minced garlic, oregano, basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into balls.
Set up your dredging station: Pour the breadcrumbs into a bowl and stir through the parmesan cheese until combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs in a bowl. In another bowl, tip in the flour.
Breading: Coat a sausage ball in the flour, shaking off the excess. Now dip the ball in the egg, making sure it is totally coasted, but allowing the excess to drip off. Now roll the ball in the breadcrumbs. Repeat for each ball. Allow the balls to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up a little
Bake: Arrange the sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for safety and the best texture.

Crafting the Creamy Mascarpone Tomato Sauce

While the sausage balls are baking, let’s prepare the sauce:

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld beautifully.
Finish with Mascarpone: Lower the heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish: Remove the sauce from heat and keep it warm while finishing up with the sausage balls.

Bringing It All Together

Once the sausage balls are out of the oven, it’s time to serve!

Place a generous scoop of the creamy mascarpone tomato sauce at the bottom of a serving dish or individual bowls, then arrange the Parmesan breaded sausage balls on top.

For an added touch, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish. Their vibrant green colour and fragrant aroma not only enhance the presentation but also elevate the dish’s overall flavour.

Pasta with four crispy, browned Crispy sausage meat balls in red sauce, garnished with basil leaves, on a square plate. Rustic wooden table background.

Pairing Suggestions

To heighten your dining experience, consider pairing this dish with:

A Fresh Green Salad: A simple arugula or mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sausage balls and sauce.
Crusty Bread & Pasta: Serve alongside pasta and a loaf of crusty Italian or French bread for those who wish to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.