Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that combines savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and a fluffy, tender texture.

If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or boring snacks, this recipe delivers flavorful, easy-to-make bites perfect for any occasion. At dishfoody.com, recipes are designed to be comforting, uncomplicated, and full of flavor.

In this article, you’ll explore why this recipe works, choosing the right meat, ingredient prep, simple cooking instructions, expert tips, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Sausage Balls Recipe Works

  • Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients like ground sausage, cheddar cheese, and baking mix
  • Quick to prepare and bake with minimal fuss
  • Perfect for weeknights, snack time, or festive gatherings

Choosing the Right Meat for Sausage Balls

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Ground pork sausage is traditional for its flavor and fat content. Alternatively, ground chicken or turkey sausage offer leaner options.

Buying Tips

Pick fresh, high-quality sausage with bright color and firm texture. Avoid overly fatty or heavily seasoned varieties.

Substitutions

Plant-based sausage alternatives for vegetarian versions.

Ingredients & Prep for Sausage Balls

  • 1 lb ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix or Bisquick
  • 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional: ¼ cup milk for moister dough
Sausage Balls

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sausage Balls

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cooking Method

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sausage and baking mix; mix with hands until blended.
  2. Stir in cheddar cheese and milk (if using) to form a cohesive dough.
  3. Roll into 1-inch balls and place evenly spaced on prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Doneness Check

Balls should be firm and golden, with internal temperature reaching 160°F.

Resting

Let cool briefly on the baking sheet before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

  • Keep sausage at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Use cold cheese to prevent melting during mixing.
  • Chill formed balls for 30 minutes before baking for even cooking and better shape.

Flavor Variations for Sausage Balls

Spicy Twist

Add chipotle powder or cayenne pepper for bold heat.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of biscuit mix; choose sugar-free sausage.

Global Flavors

  • Cajun: Add Creole seasoning and smoked paprika.
  • Italian: Mix in fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
  • Asian: Incorporate ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Profile
Spicy TwistChipotle, cayenneBoldSpicy, smoky
Keto/PaleoAlmond flourLow-carbNutty, rich
Global FlavorsCreole, herbsExoticHerbaceous, fragrant

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Balls

Serve warm with dipping sauces like honey mustard, sweet chili, or ranch. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh salad.

FAQs for Sausage Balls

  • Can I freeze cooked or uncooked balls? Yes, freeze uncooked balls for up to 3 months.
  • How to reheat? Warm in oven or air fryer until heated through.
  • Are they kid-friendly? Yes, soft texture and mild flavor appeal to children.

Conclusion

Sausage Balls are an easy, savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion, providing a satisfying combination of flavor and convenience. Try this recipe to impress guests or enjoy as a hearty snack. Visit dishfoody.com for more comforting recipes and try our Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo next!

Print

Sausage Balls

Savory, cheesy sausage balls made with breakfast sausage, cheddar, and biscuit mix a classic crowd-pleasing appetizer or breakfast bite.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 24 sausage balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp milk (optional, for softer texture)

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • 2. In a large bowl, mix sausage, cheese, biscuit mix, and seasonings until well combined.
  • 3. Add milk if the mixture feels too dry.
  • 4. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
  • 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • 6. Serve warm with dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch.

Notes

  • You can use hot or maple sausage for a flavor twist.
  • For extra cheesy sausage balls, add 1/2 cup more cheddar.
  • Freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 2 months bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 sausage balls
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: sausage balls, breakfast appetizer, cheesy bites, Bisquick sausage balls, easy snack

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating