Sausage Balls Recipe
If there’s one party snack that vanishes faster than you can say “save me some,” it’s Sausage Balls. They check every box for big flavor and pure comfort—juicy sausage, savory cheese, and just the right fluffiness from biscuit mix. Whether you’re hosting brunch, bringing a tray to holiday gatherings, or craving an irresistible nibble, these little bites are endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s make the ultimate batch together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few basic grocery store staples come together for unforgettable Sausage Balls. Each ingredient does some heavy lifting for flavor, texture, or that signature golden color, so don’t skip or swap unless you know what you’re after!
- Ground pork breakfast sausage: This is the soul of Sausage Balls and delivers juicy, spiced flavor throughout every bite.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar means maximum cheesy goodness, and shredding your own helps everything melt together beautifully.
- Biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick): The secret to tender, fluffy texture—this shortcut brings perfect bite-sized crumb without fuss.
- Milk: Just a splash locks in moisture and makes the dough easy to shape (don’t skip it!).
- Garlic powder: A little garlicky kick makes these Sausage Balls irresistibly savory.
- Onion powder: Amping up the depth and warmth, this spice rounds out the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Black pepper: A pinch of pepper wakes up all the other ingredients without making things spicy.
How to Make Sausage Balls
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you do anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting with a properly heated oven ensures the Sausage Balls bake up evenly and achieve that signature golden color. Now’s also a good time to line up your ingredients, clear a workspace, and make sure you have two baking sheets at the ready if you want to bake the whole batch at once.
Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl—think big, so you have room to really get your hands in there. Add the ground pork sausage, shredded cheddar, biscuit baking mix, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The best tool here is your clean hands; mixing thoroughly means every Sausage Ball will be equally cheesy and flavorful, with sausage and cheese perfectly blended with the biscuit mix.
Step 3: Roll Out the Sausage Balls
Pinch off pieces of the sausage mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls, doing your best to keep the sizes even. This helps them bake at the same rate, so you avoid underdone centers or overly crispy exteriors. Place each round on an ungreased baking sheet, giving a little space between each—you want heat to flow all around for even browning.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out: they’re ready when the Sausage Balls are golden brown on top and fully cooked inside (if you want to test, slice one open—it should be piping hot and no longer pink). If baking from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the total bake time.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once they come out of the oven, let the Sausage Balls cool for five minutes. This brief pause makes them easier to grab and eat, plus the cheese sets just enough so each bite holds together. Dig in while warm for that gooey, melty magic!
How to Serve Sausage Balls
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way with Sausage Balls! Sprinkle finely chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a pinch of extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving. If you’re feeling bold, a light dusting of smoked paprika adds color and a whisper of smoky flair.
Side Dishes
These crowd-pleasers do well alongside classic dips like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha aioli. You can also stack Sausage Balls on a brunch platter with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading three Sausage Balls onto skewers as savory kabobs for passed appetizers, or nestle them into lettuce cups with a swipe of hot sauce for a low-carb twist. For gatherings, serve them in a big bowl lined with a checkered napkin—guaranteed to spark lots of happy hands reaching in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously!) have leftover Sausage Balls, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or next-day breakfast treats.
Freezing
Sausage Balls are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer! After rolling but before baking, place them on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Sausage Balls in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot all the way through. A microwave works in a pinch, but the oven maintains that delicious crispness. Enjoy them fresh and piping hot, just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage brings classic flavor, feel free to swap in spicy Italian, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a twist. Just keep an eye on salt levels and adjust seasonings if your sausage has extra herbs or spice.
Can Sausage Balls be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance! Either roll and refrigerate the raw balls for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage and bake directly from frozen when you’re ready.
Why did my Sausage Balls turn out dry?
Dry Sausage Balls often mean too much biscuit mix or not enough moisture. Make sure to measure ingredients carefully, use the full amount of cheese and milk, and avoid overbaking. The sausage’s fat adds key moisture, so don’t use an ultra-lean variety.
What dips go well with Sausage Balls?
These are super versatile with dips—think creamy ranch, tangy honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy chipotle mayo. Set out a variety and watch the platter disappear even faster!
Can I make Sausage Balls gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free biscuit baking mix and double-check that your sausage and cheese are gluten-free, too. The rest of the process and baking times stay the same.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Sausage Balls, you’ll see why they’re a go-to for every gathering, snack attack, and brunch table. They’re quick, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. Don’t be surprised if these become your signature party food—give them a try and see just how fast they disappear!
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Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 36 sausage balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sausage Balls are a classic appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. Made with ground pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, these cheesy sausage balls are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh herbs.
- These can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sausage balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
