Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, you’ve gotta try these Cheesy Sausage Balls. They’re loaded with juicy sausage, sharp cheddar, and have a lightly golden, tender bite every time. Perfect for everything from family gatherings and tailgate parties to holiday breakfasts, these little bites disappear faster than you can bake ’em. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Bursting with bold, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer for busy schedules and parties.
- Versatile—enjoy hot, warm, or at room temperature.
- Great for freezing, so you can enjoy anytime cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) uncooked pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) Bisquick baking mix
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley if using. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix well until everything is fully combined and a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
- Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Notes
- For easy mixing, let the sausage and cheese come to room temperature before combining.
- If your mixture is too dry, add a splash more milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more Bisquick.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized balls and consistent baking.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cheesy Mozzarella: Swap half the cheddar with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or hands
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover cheesy sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag—reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve warm with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
- Pair with fresh fruit or crunchy veggie sticks for a party platter.
- Perfect alongside scrambled eggs for a breakfast spread.
Pro Tips
- Finely shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor—bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents.
- Do not overbake, as they can become dry—remove from the oven as soon as they’re golden and just cooked through.
- If making ahead, shape the balls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
FAQ
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and shape the balls, then refrigerate overnight or freeze. Bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding a couple more minutes if needed.
What type of sausage should I use?
Pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) is traditional, but chicken or turkey sausage also works well.
Why did my sausage balls turn out dry?
This usually happens if they’re overbaked or if the mixture was too dry—add a splash more milk next time and watch the oven closely!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) uncooked pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) Bisquick baking mix
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
2In a large mixing bowl, add the sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley if using. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix well until everything is fully combined and a sticky dough forms.
-
3Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
-
4Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
120cal
Protein:
6 gg
Fat:
8 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
6 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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