Sausage balls are the ultimate bite-sized snack or party appetizer. Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, these little savory treats come together with just a few pantry staples — no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re feeding a game day crowd, prepping a brunch spread, or looking for a make-ahead snack, sausage balls are always a hit. And the best part? You can whip up a big batch in under 40 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Cheesy, crispy, and savory in every bite
- 🕒 Quick to prep — only 15 minutes of hands-on time
- 🥣 Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
- 🧂 Easy to customize with different meats or spices
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork or turkey)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sausage and shredded cheese.
- Add the biscuit mix and stir until well incorporated.
- Pour in the milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 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
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Sausage Ball)
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Tips & Variations
- 🌶 Add a kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños
- 🧀 Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for a milder option
- 🥚 Make it richer: Add 1 egg for extra binding
- ❄️ Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked or fully baked sausage balls and reheat at 350°F for 10–12 mins
- 🧊 Chill before baking: Firm dough holds shape better during cooking
- 🔄 Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese
FAQs
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours in advance, or bake and store for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen.
What dipping sauces go well with them?
Great with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even spicy aioli.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be golden brown on the outside, and a meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) inside.
Can I use gluten-free mix?
Yes, just substitute a gluten-free biscuit mix to make them GF-friendly.
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix sausage and cheese.
- Add biscuit mix, then stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly, garnish with herbs, and serve.
Notes
– Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Great with dipping sauces like BBQ, mustard, or ranch.
Conclusion
Sausage balls are the kind of easy, irresistible recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether served as party appetizers, holiday snacks, or casual bites for the family, they’re full of flavor, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a batch — these savory bites won’t last long!