Add a touch of gourmet flair to your festive meals with these savory cheese balls, inspired by Marijana’s recipe, now featuring sausage, for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, these cheese balls can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with various side dishes.

The key to their perfect texture lies in adjusting the dry ingredients based on the moisture content of your chosen cream cheese or cottage cheese. Chilling the mixture before shaping ensures the ideal creamy consistency.

Quick to prepare in just about 30 minutes, you can roll them in different toppings like pomegranate, walnuts, or parsley for a customized taste experience. Don’t miss out on trying the pomegranate version for its unique and delicious flavor!

Cheese Balls with Sausage Recipe

Ingredients:

• 14 oz cream cheese or cottage cheese
• 3.5 oz sour cream
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp ground walnuts
• 3 Tbsp ground crackers
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped sausage
• A pinch of fresh thyme
• A pinch each of black pepper and sweet paprika
• For Rolling: Pomegranate seeds, coarsely chopped walnuts, and finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 14 oz of cream cheese or cottage cheese with 3.5 oz of sour cream and 1 Tbsp of Dijon mustard. Blend these together until smooth.
   • Gradually mix in 3 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 Tbsp of ground walnuts, 3 Tbsp of ground crackers, and 3 Tbsp of finely chopped sausage.
   • Season the mixture with a pinch each of fresh thyme, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Stir well.
   • Keep mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture achieves a thick consistency suitable for shaping.
2. Chill for Easy Shaping:
   • For easier shaping, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours. This step helps in firming up the mixture.
3. Shape and Roll the Cheese Balls:
   • Once chilled, take the mixture out of the refrigerator. Scoop out portions of about 1 to 1.4 oz each.
   • Roll each portion into a ball shape using your hands.
   • Coat each ball by rolling it in a bowl of pomegranate seeds, coarsely chopped walnuts, or finely chopped parsley. You can choose one coating or a mix of all three for variety.
4. Refrigerate Until Serving:
   • Place the finished cheese balls on a plate or in a container.
   • Store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. This will help maintain their shape and freshness.

Enjoy these delightful cheese ball bites as a tasty appetizer or snack at your next gathering!

Toss this Sausage Cheese Ball recipe onto your Pinterest board. It’s a ‘grate’ way to share the cheese and spread some smiles!

This air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe is all about bringing a rich, savory flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find this recipe a breeze.

In just 30 minutes, you can transform a simple pork tenderloin into an impressive and delicious main course, perfect for any day of the week.

Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage (or 2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Blend)
• Optional: 1 bottle of this Italian Salad Dressing for marinating
• Fresh pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Optional Marinating:

• If desired, marinate the pork in Italian dressing for 12-24 hours to enhance the flavor.

Make the Garlic Butter:

• Mix minced garlic with butter to create your garlic butter mixture.

Seasoning:

• Combine garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage in a bowl. (Alternatively, use Italian Seasoning.)
• Rub this herb blend onto the pork, followed by a generous seasoning with sea salt and pepper.

Air-Frying:

• Preheat the air-fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the pork in the air-fryer, optionally covering it loosely with foil.
• Halfway through the cooking process (after about 10-12 minutes), turn the pork and add the garlic butter mixture on top.
• Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in 20-25 minutes total.

Resting:

• Let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring the meat remains juicy.

Garnishing:

• Optionally, garnish the sliced pork with fresh pomegranate arils for added color and a hint of tangy sweetness.

Serving:

• Serve the warm pork tenderloin, ideally with a side dish of your choice.

Loved how your air fryer pork tenderloin turned out? Why not spread the word? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board. It’s a great way to let your friends and followers in on this delicious secret!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
• Reheat in the air-fryer or oven after thawing in the refrigerator overnight.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Air-Fried Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

1. Spicy Twist: For those who love a bit of heat, add a spicy kick to your pork tenderloin. Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into your seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can rub the pork with a spicy marinade, like chipotle or sriracha, before cooking.

2. Citrus Infusion: Brighten the flavor profile by adding citrus elements. Marinate the pork in a mixture of orange juice, lemon zest, and a touch of honey. This will give a refreshing and slightly sweet tang to the dish.

3. Herb Crust Variation: Create a herbaceous outer crust by coating the pork in a mix of finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) mixed with breadcrumbs. This adds a delightful texture and a burst of fresh flavors.

4. BBQ Style: For a BBQ twist, slather the pork with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of air-frying. This will create a sweet and smoky glaze that’s irresistible.

5. Mediterranean Influence: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by using a mix of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and Greek seasoning in the rub. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing complement.

6. Asian Fusion: Give your pork tenderloin an Asian flair. Marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. After cooking, glaze it with a blend of hoisin sauce and honey for a sweet and savory finish.

7. Stuffed Tenderloin: Elevate the dish by stuffing the tenderloin. Make a filling with ingredients like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, or a sweet and savory combination of apples, onions, and bacon. Butterfly the tenderloin, fill it, then tie it up before air-frying.

8. Creamy Sauce: Serve the pork with a creamy sauce. A simple garlic mushroom cream sauce or a Dijon mustard cream sauce can add a luxurious touch to the dish.

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings are coated with a sweet, peppery dry seasoning rather than a sticky sauce. This copycat version bakes the wings until crisp, then tosses them with honey powder, ancho chile, cayenne, paprika, and just enough melted butter to help the seasoning cling.

Honey powder delivers the recognizable sweetness without making the coating wet. The finished wings stay crisp, with honey flavor at first followed by a warm, gradually building heat.

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 appetizer servings

Ingredients

For the Crispy Baked Wings

• 3 pounds (1.36 kg) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 1½ teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder, not baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Nonstick cooking spray, for the rack

For the Hot Honey Dry Rub

• ¼ cup honey powder or finely ground granulated honey
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1½ teaspoons ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack inside, and coat the rack with cooking spray.
2. Dry the wings: Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing as much surface moisture as possible helps the skin become crisp.
3. Season the chicken: Place the wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with the baking powder and kosher salt, then toss until they are lightly and evenly coated.
4. Arrange the wings: Place the wings on the prepared rack in a single layer, leaving space between them. Use two baking sheets if necessary rather than crowding the wings.
5. Bake until crisp: Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the wings and rotate the pan, then continue baking for 20–25 minutes, until deeply golden, crisp, and at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part without touching the bone.
6. Mix the dry rub: While the wings bake, combine the honey powder, paprika, ancho chile powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Break up or sift out any lumps in the honey powder.
7. Coat the wings: Transfer the hot wings to a clean, large bowl and drizzle with the melted butter. Toss to give them a very light coating. Sprinkle the dry rub over the wings in two additions, tossing well after each addition so the seasoning adheres evenly.
8. Serve: Serve immediately while the wings are hot and crisp. The finished coating should be sweet, peppery, and lightly powdery rather than sticky or saucy.

Share this find on Pinterest and give your friends a taste of culinary gold! It’s more than a recipe; it’s your ticket to becoming the flavor hero in your social circle. Pin it and watch the compliments roll in!

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub FAQs

What is Wingstop’s Hot Honey Rub?

Wingstop’s Hot Honey Rub is a sweet-and-spicy dry seasoning used on wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches. Unlike traditional hot honey sauce, it isn’t sticky. Its flavor combines honey sweetness with peppery heat from cayenne and ancho chile.

Is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub still available?

Yes. In July 2024, Wingstop announced that Hot Honey Rub had become a permanent menu flavor. It is available on several chicken items, although options may vary by location.

More Wingstop Copycat Flavors

For considerably more heat, try this Wingstop Atomic Sauce. These Wingstop Mango Habanero Wings offer a fruitier combination of sweetness and spice, while these dry rub chicken wings are a savory alternative without honey.