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Sausage Balls Recipe

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Classic easy sausage balls made with just 3 simple ingredients! Breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick combine to create the perfect savory appetizer. Great for parties, holidays, and game day!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 50 sausage balls (about 12-15 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sausage Balls:

  • 1 pound (16 oz) ground breakfast sausage (regular, not links)
  • 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 cups (240g) Bisquick baking mix (Original)

Optional Add-Ins (Not Traditional):

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the uncooked breakfast sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix. Using your clean hands (or a sturdy fork), mix and knead everything together until thoroughly combined. The mixture should form a somewhat sticky dough with cheese and sausage evenly distributed. This takes 2-3 minutes of mixing. Don’t be afraid to really work it with your hands – this ensures even distribution of all ingredients.

Step 3: Form Balls
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart (they don’t spread much). You should get approximately 50 balls. If mixture is too sticky to roll, refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up, or lightly wet your hands with water while rolling.

Step 4: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. They should be firm to the touch and no longer feel raw or squishy. For even browning, you can rotate the pan halfway through baking. Internal temperature should reach 160°F if using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. These are delicious either way!

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture and melting. Shred your own from a block for best results.
  • Bring sausage to room temperature: If sausage is very cold from refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to combine ingredients.
  • Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overworking makes them tough.
  • Uniform size: Try to make balls similar sizes so they cook evenly.
  • Make ahead: Mix and shape balls, refrigerate unbaked on baking sheet covered with plastic wrap up to 24 hours. Bake when ready (may need extra 2-3 minutes).
  • Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked balls on baking sheet until solid, transfer to freezer bags, freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time.
  • Author: Samantha Nelson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 sausage balls
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg