Easy Sausage Balls Recipe – Cheesy, Savory & Perfect for Any Occasion
This sausage balls recipe is a quick and delicious snack perfect for breakfast, parties, or game days. Made with sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon (or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups
- Cookie scoop (optional, for even sizes)
Ingredients
- Classic Sausage Balls:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage mild, spicy, or maple
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded for better melting
- 2 cups baking mix like Bisquick
- ¼ cup milk optional, adds moisture
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Ingredient Variations:
- Keto-Friendly: Replace baking mix with 1 cup almond flour + 1 tsp baking powder.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of Bisquick.
- Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup mozzarella or Pepper Jack cheese for extra gooeyness.
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and add ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix
- ¼ cup milk (if using)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Mix by hand or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until fully combined. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Step 3: Form the Sausage Balls
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Step 5: Let Them Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Notes
Make Ahead: Roll sausage balls and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions:
Uncooked: Freeze raw sausage balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Cooked: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For Moist Sausage Balls: Use freshly shredded cheese and add milk to prevent dryness.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: Try spicy sriracha mayo, queso, or barbecue sauce.
Freezing Instructions:
Uncooked: Freeze raw sausage balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Cooked: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For Moist Sausage Balls: Use freshly shredded cheese and add milk to prevent dryness.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: Try spicy sriracha mayo, queso, or barbecue sauce.