If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate bite-sized snack, look no further than these sausage balls. They’re savory, cheesy, tender on the inside with a golden crisp on the outside. Whether you’re hosting a game day, throwing a holiday party, or just need a quick make-ahead breakfast, these flavorful little balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 6 core ingredients
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or brunch
- Easily customizable with herbs, cheeses, and meats
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick or a gluten-free alternative)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley, green onions, or herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage and shredded cheddar. Mix until evenly incorporated. - Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the biscuit mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. - Pour in the Milk
Add milk gradually and mix until a soft, uniform dough forms. Avoid overmixing. - Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For firmer sausage balls, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking. - Shape the Balls
Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place evenly spaced on the baking sheet. - Bake
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. - Cool & Garnish
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with herbs or green onion if desired. - Serve Warm
Pair with mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dip.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 sausage balls
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Breakfast
- Estimated Cost: ~$8–10
Nutrition Facts (Per Sausage Ball)
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: <1g
- Sodium: ~180mg
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Use different cheese: Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or gouda all work well.
- Gluten-free? Swap biscuit mix for a GF blend.
- Add veggies: Finely chopped spinach or bell peppers for a nutritional boost.
- Uniform shape: Use a small cookie scoop for even baking.
Sausage Balls
Equipment
- – Large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Parchment paper
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 parsley or green onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix sausage and cheese in a large bowl.
- Stir in biscuit mix, spices, and pepper.
- Add milk and mix until a dough forms.
- Chill mixture (optional) for firmer balls.
- Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dip.
Notes
– Don’t overmix dough — it can get tough
– Chill dough for better shape
FAQs
Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate raw sausage balls up to 24 hours ahead.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked or baked sausage balls. Reheat directly from frozen.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch, honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or sriracha aioli are all delicious options.
Why are my sausage balls dry?
Too much biscuit mix or overbaking can dry them out. Add a splash more milk if needed before baking.
Conclusion
These sausage balls are a must-have for your appetizer rotation. Quick, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile, they’re perfect for everything from game nights to brunch spreads. Make a big batch, freeze some for later, and enjoy a bite of cheesy, savory goodness anytime the craving hits!