📖 Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan: First things first, crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This simple step makes cleanup so much easier, and ensures your sausage balls don't stick. Don't skip it, trust me.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Balls: In a really big mixing bowl—you'll want some room to work here—dump in your biscuit mix and the shredded cheddar cheese. Give 'em a quick toss with a fork to mix everything together evenly. This helps distribute the cheese throughout the mixture.
3. Add the Sausage: Now, crumble your ground sausage over the biscuit mix and cheese. Don't worry about getting it super fine right now; you'll break it down more in the next step. If you're using a spicier sausage, fantastic! If not, a regular breakfast sausage works just fine.
4. Mix Everything Together (Gently!): This is where your hands become your best tools! Dig in and mix everything together until it's just combined. You want the sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix to form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, though, or your sausage balls might end up a bit tough. We're aiming for tender, juicy bites.
5. Form the Sausage Balls: Pinch off small portions of the mixture, about 1-inch in diameter, and roll 'em between your palms to form neat little balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they can bake evenly. If your hands get sticky, a quick rinse under cold water can help, or you can lightly flour them.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch. While they’re baking, it’s glaze time!
7. Prepare the Maple Heat Glaze: While the sausage balls are in the oven, grab a small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once it's melted and looks all shimmery, stir in the maple syrup and your chosen hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens just slightly. You want it syrupy, not watery.
8. Glaze 'Em Up!: As soon as the sausage balls come out of the oven—and I mean *immediately*—transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour that glorious maple heat glaze all over them. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss the balls, making sure each one gets a generous, sticky coating. The hotter they are, the better they'll absorb that delicious glaze.
9. Serve Warm and Enjoy!: Transfer your glazed sausage balls to a serving platter. If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley looks lovely and adds a fresh counterpoint. Serve 'em up warm, and watch 'em disappear! They’re seriously addictive.