Hey y’all! If you love cheesy, savory treats that come together in a snap, you’ve got to try these sausage balls. This recipe creates golden, bite-sized wonders that melt in your mouth—ideal for breakfast, parties, game days, or a quick snack. Loaded with juicy sausage and sharp cheddar, each bite is bursting with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
- Super quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crispy outside and tender, cheesy center for delicious texture contrast.
- Great for meal prep—make ahead and reheat for busy mornings.
- Only a handful of simple ingredients needed—no complicated steps!
- Endlessly customizable with different cheeses and sausage flavors.
Ingredients for Easy Sausage Balls
- 1 pound (450 g) uncooked pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) Bisquick baking mix or your favorite biscuit mix
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions: How to Make Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheddar, Bisquick, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture will be thick and a bit sticky—this is normal!
Step 3: Shape and Arrange
Pinch off rounded tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly and the bottoms slightly crisp.
Notes for Perfect Sausage Balls
- For extra cheesy bites, add a 1/2 cup more shredded cheddar! Not sure which cheddar to choose? Learn about cheese types on Cheese.com.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more milk—too wet, sprinkle a bit more biscuit mix.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking (see tips on Serious Eats).
Sausage Balls Variations
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot breakfast sausage and a pinch of cayenne in the mix.
- Cheddar Jalapeño: Stir in 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños for a zesty twist.
- Gluten-Free: Swap Bisquick for your favorite gluten-free baking mix.
Required Equipment for Sausage Balls
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (optional)
Storage Instructions: Keep Your Sausage Balls Fresh
Let the sausage balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked sausage balls for up to 2 months; reheat straight from the fridge at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or microwave until hot. Learn more about safe food storage at USDA Food Safety.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha dipping sauce.
- Perfect on a brunch platter beside scrambled eggs and fruit.
- Pair with beer or sparkling cider for game day snacking.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Balls
- Always use freshly grated cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded and gives a gooier texture (Bon Appétit explains why!).
- Don’t overmix the dough or the sausage balls may turn out tough.
- Test one sausage ball for seasoning and doneness before baking the whole batch.
FAQ: Sausage Balls
- Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
You bet! Prep the raw balls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning. - Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - Why are my sausage balls dry?
They might need a bit more cheese or liquid; always check your measurements and don’t overbake.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
Total Time: 32-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork sausage, cheddar cheese, baking mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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3Add the milk and mix until all ingredients are well combined. Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mixture.
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4Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
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5Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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6Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
110cal
Protein:
6gg
Fat:
8gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
3gg
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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