Sausage balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, game day snack spread, or a make-ahead breakfast option, these bite-sized gems deliver big flavor with just a few simple ingredients. Best of all, you can whip them up in just 35 minutes and bake them in batches!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 7 ingredients and 1 bowl
- No fancy equipment needed
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or party platters
- Customizable with cheeses, spices, or gluten-free mixes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (like Bisquick)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sausage and cheese first. Then add biscuit mix, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. - Form the Balls
Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon until a dough forms. Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. - Bake
Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and firm. - Cool & Serve
Let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped herbs, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 sausage balls
Nutrition Facts (Per Ball)
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add hot sauce or use spicy sausage
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda
- Make ahead: Chill the formed dough for firmer texture
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix
Sausage Balls
Equipment
- – Mixing bowl
- – Baking sheet
- – Parchment paper
- – Cookie scoop (optional)
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground sausage
- – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- – 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- – ¼ cup milk
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp onion powder
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – Optional: chopped herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix sausage and cheese in a large bowl.
- Add biscuit mix, milk, and seasonings. Mix to form dough.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on lined baking sheet and bake 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
– Swap cheese or sausage types for different flavors
FAQs
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and shape them, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can they be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked sausage balls on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
What dipping sauces go best with sausage balls?
Try ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes! Just be aware the flavor will be milder and the texture slightly different.
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
Nope—the raw sausage cooks perfectly in the oven as the balls bake.
Conclusion
These easy, cheesy sausage balls are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday get-together or stocking your freezer with quick breakfast bites, this recipe checks every box: fast, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Be warned—they disappear fast!