Sausage balls are the MVP of any gathering—savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game day, a holiday brunch, or just craving a protein-packed snack, these bite-sized crowd-pleasers are always a hit. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 40 minutes, they deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These easy sausage balls are a go-to for any occasion—and here’s why:
- ✅ Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy inside
- ✅ 6 ingredients, no fancy tools
- ✅ Perfect for parties, meal prep, or on-the-go snacks
- ✅ Freezer-friendly and easily reheated
- ✅ Easily customizable with cheese, sausage, or spice swaps
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded 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: Chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the sausage and shredded cheese.
- Add the biscuit mix and stir until mostly combined.
- Pour in the milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.
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
Nutrition may vary based on sausage and cheese used.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for milder flavor.
- Meat Options: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix.
- For Firmer Balls: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even cooking.
FAQs
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked or baked sausage balls in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How do I know when sausage balls are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach 160°F internally.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Not recommended. Raw sausage binds better with the mix and bakes up tender.
What dipping sauces go best?
Try BBQ sauce, spicy mustard, ranch, or even a creamy jalapeño dip.
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 mix
- – ¼ cup milk
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp onion powder
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix sausage and cheese.
- Add biscuit mix and stir to combine.
- Add milk and seasonings. Mix until dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
- Cool slightly and garnish if desired.
Notes
– Serve with mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
– Chill dough for neater, firmer balls.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a festive get-together, sausage balls are your secret weapon. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory sausage flavor, they’re always the first appetizer to disappear. Pair them with your favorite dips or serve them with a side salad for a quick meal. Trust us—one batch won’t be enough.