Why You Need the Right Tools for Thanksgiving Prep
Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right tools, you can cut prep time in half, avoid last-minute disasters, and keep your kitchen running smoothly, even with multiple dishes going at once.
From chopping veggies to roasting turkey to storing leftovers, these Thanksgiving prep tools will make your holiday easier, more organized, and much more enjoyable.
How to Choose the Best Thanksgiving Prep Tools
When picking tools for holiday cooking, look for:
- Durability (you’ll use these every year!)
- Easy cleaning (especially dishwasher-safe options)
- Multipurpose use beyond Thanksgiving
- High customer ratings for reliability
- Bundled sets to save money
Thanksgiving Prep Tools That Save Time and Stress
imarku Japanese Chef Knife
A sharp, reliable chef’s knife can instantly speed up your prep. Chopping onions, dicing sweet potatoes, slicing herbs, and prepping turkey become effortless with the right blade.
Bearchop Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Multiple cutting boards save time by preventing cross-contamination and giving you room to work. Choose a set with juice grooves for meat and smooth boards for produce.
Priority Chef Premium Mixing Bowls With Lids Set
Thanksgiving recipes require volume—think stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Oversized stainless steel mixing bowls make tossing, mixing, and prepping feel effortless.
Professional Digital Meat Thermometer
No more guessing whether the turkey is done. A digital instant-read thermometer ensures juicy, perfectly cooked poultry without constant monitoring.
HONGBAKE Extra Large Turkey Roasting Pan with Rack
A sturdy roasting pan lifts the turkey above the drippings for even cooking and crispier skin. Plus, you can use the drippings for gravy.
Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender
Smooth gravy in seconds—right in the pan. An immersion blender also handles pumpkin soup, mashed cauliflower, and even last-minute whipping.
Walfos Silicone Spatula Set of 5
Heat-resistant silicone tools prevent scratching and make it easy to scrape bowls clean. They’re essential for baking, sautéing, and gravy making.
Ninja Food Processor
Cut your prep time dramatically by letting a food processor handle onions, herbs, pie crusts, and even shredding cheese.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - 2-Pack
From Brussels sprouts to dinner rolls, large sheet pans ensure even cooking and help you stagger oven tasks efficiently.
Waytiffer Aluminum Pans 9x13 Disposable Foil Pans (10 Pack)
Not everything needs a fancy pan. Disposable trays make cooking, reheating, and cleanup unbelievably easy—especially for casseroles and sides.
Nicewell Food Scale
Accurate measurements mean perfect pies, rolls, and stuffing every time. No more guessing how tightly packed that cup of flour is.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Free up oven space by making mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, or even warm mulled cider in a slow cooker.
RSVP International Endurance® Stainless Steel Turkey & Roast Lifters
Lifting a heavy, hot turkey is a job for tools—not hands. Turkey lifters make transferring your bird safe and mess-free.
Hamilton Beach Electric Knife Set
Beautiful turkey slices depend on a good carving tool. An electric knife makes it foolproof, even for beginners.
Kitch’nMore 38oz Meal Prep Containers
Don’t forget containers for next-day sandwiches and meal prep! Airtight containers keep food fresh and help you stay organized after the feast.
Why These Tools Actually Matter
The tools you use during Thanksgiving prep directly impact your timing, stress level, and food quality. A sharp knife keeps you safe. A thermometer prevents dry turkey. A slow cooker frees up your oven.
These small upgrades give you the bandwidth to enjoy the holiday instead of scrambling.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
- Prep veggies and herbs up to 3 days ahead.
- Choose dishes that can be made the day before.
- Keep your tools organized and accessible.
- Use timers for every dish (don’t rely on memory!).
- Delegate tasks—no need to be a holiday hero.
- Prep on a budget. Get the Best Early Black Friday Deals of 2025 !
With the right prep tools and a little planning, Thanksgiving can feel smooth, efficient, and genuinely enjoyable.
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If you’re a fan of savory bites packed with flavor, get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of Air Fryer Sausage Balls. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, or anytime you crave a savory snack. Learn how to make this irresistible appetizer that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Tasty Appetizer
- Quick & Easy . Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
- Versatile . Perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or party snacks.
- Crowd-Pleaser . Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable . Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.
With the convenience of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked bites that are full of flavor and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why Are My Sausage Balls So Dry?
To prevent dry sausage balls, consider using a fattier sausage, being careful not to overmix the ingredients, and ensuring they’re baked just until cooked through.
Additionally, you might experiment with adding a bit more cheese or fat to the mixture to improve moisture retention.
What Are Sausage Balls Made Of?
- Ground Sausage - This is the primary ingredient and provides the base flavor and texture for the balls. The ground sausage is typically a seasoned mixture of ground pork with added spices like salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
- Biscuit Baking Mix - The biscuit baking mix serves as the binder and helps hold them together. It also adds some volume and texture to the mixture. Biscuit baking mix typically contains flour, leavening agents (such as baking powder), salt, and sometimes shortening.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - The shredded cheddar cheese adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the sausage balls. As the cheese melts during baking, it contributes to the gooey, cheesy texture of them.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder adds savory depth and flavor to the sausage balls. It enhances the overall taste profile and complements the other seasonings used in the recipe.
- Onion Powder - Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides additional savory flavor to the balls. It adds a subtle oniony taste without the texture of fresh onions.
- Black Pepper - Ground black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor of the sausage balls. It also adds depth to the savory profile of the dish.
- Cooking Spray- Cooking spray is used to grease the baking sheet or pan before baking the sausage bites. This prevents the balls from sticking to the pan and ensures they cook evenly without burning.
Overall, these ingredients work together to create flavorful, moist, and tender sausage balls that are perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or party food.
Adjustments can be made to the seasonings and cheese type based on personal preference to customize the flavor profile of the sausage balls.
How To Make Sausage Balls
- Preheat the Air Fryer . Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients . In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls . Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
- Air Fry . Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Air Fry . Cook the sausage in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Serve . Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips And Tricks
Making Air Fryer Sausage Balls is a breeze, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:
- Use Good Quality Sausage . Choose high-quality ground sausage for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix . Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bites.
- Ensure Even Cooking . Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy exteriors.
- Check for Doneness . The sausage balls should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Variations
Sausage balls are a versatile and delicious snack or appetizer, and there are many variations you can try to customize the flavors to your liking. Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Spicy- For a kick of heat, add diced jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture. You can adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
- Sweet and Savory- Add a touch of sweetness by mixing in ingredients like maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey. This combination of sweet and savory flavors adds depth and makes them irresistible.
- Vegetable- Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the sausage mixture for added texture and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sausage mixture for enhanced flavor.
What Do You Eat With Sausage Balls?
Sausage balls are delicious on their own, but here are some tasty accompaniments:
- Dipping Sauces - Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Fresh Vegetables - Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.
- Fruit Platter - Serve alongside a fruit platter for a refreshing and colorful addition.
How Long Do They Last?
Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze sausage balls for later enjoyment. Freezing sausage balls is a convenient way to preserve them for future meals or snacks.
Place sealed freezer bags or containers with the sausage balls in the freezer where they can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the sausage balls, remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
More Sausage Recipes
- Italian Sausage Soup
- Instant Pot Low Country Boil
- Sticky Rice With Sausage
- Toad In The Hole
- Keto Sausage And Broccoli
Sausage Balls Recipe | Easy Sausage Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Ground sausage
- ▢ 2 cups Bisquick
- ▢ 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer . Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients . In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Balls . Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
- Add To Basket . Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Air Fry . Cook the sausage in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Serve . Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
