Sausage balls recipe is a classic Southern favorite—perfect as a breakfast option, party snack, or appetizer. Made with sausage, cheese, and a baking mix, they are easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.
Sausage balls are great for meal prep since they store and freeze well. If you love easy breakfast recipes, you may also enjoy these sausage patties, which offer a simple yet delicious homemade alternative to store-bought breakfast meats.
If you’re planning to serve sausage balls recipe for brunch, consider pairing them with hashbrown breakfast casserole—the combination of crispy potatoes and cheesy sausage balls is always a crowd-pleaser!
What Are Sausage Balls?
Sausage balls are bite-sized, cheesy, and savory treats that are made using a combination of:
- Ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- Shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack)
- A binding agent like Bisquick or almond flour (for keto versions)
They are commonly enjoyed at holiday gatherings, tailgating parties, and breakfast spreads.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal option, try serving sausage balls with Mississippi pot roast for a Southern comfort food feast!
How to Make Classic Sausage Balls recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Bisquick or another baking mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheese, and Bisquick.
- Mix well using your hands or a stand mixer until fully combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
🔥 Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy twist, swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack. Looking for more cheese-based comfort foods? Try this chicken parmesan casserole, which is loaded with melty cheese and rich flavors.
Popular Sausage Ball Variations
Sausage balls are incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to customize them. Whether you want to make them healthier, spicier, cheesier, or gluten-free, there’s a sausage ball recipe for everyone! Below are some delicious variations to try.
1. Classic Bisquick Sausage Balls recipe
The original and most well-known sausage ball recipe combines Bisquick baking mix, sausage, and cheese. These are a staple at holiday gatherings, tailgates, and potlucks.
How to Make Them Even Better:
- Use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Add garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra seasoning.
- Brush with melted butter before serving for a richer taste.
🔥 Want another easy Southern classic? Try this Mississippi Pot Roast—a slow-cooked, flavorful meal perfect for gatherings!
2. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe
For a softer, creamier texture, adding cream cheese to the mix makes a huge difference. These melt in your mouth and stay moist even after reheating.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Less dry than traditional sausage balls.
- Creamy and cheesy inside, with a crispy outer layer.
- Pairs perfectly with honey mustard or ranch dressing.
How to Make Them:
- Reduce Bisquick to 1 ½ cups instead of 2 cups.
- Add 8 oz. of softened cream cheese to the mix.
- Use breakfast sausage for a milder flavor or spicy sausage for a kick.
🔥 For more creamy and cheesy recipes, check out this chicken parmesan casserole—it’s packed with melted cheese and bold flavors!
3. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
If you love Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits, this version will be your new favorite! These garlic butter sausage balls are rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
What Makes These Special?
- Uses garlic butter seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cheddar and parsley give them a bakery-style taste.
- Perfect for serving with seafood or pasta dishes.
How to Make Them:
- Swap Bisquick for a Cheddar Bay biscuit mix.
- Use garlic powder and dried parsley in the mix.
- Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder after baking.
🔥 If you love Cheddar Bay flavors, try this smoked salmon dip—it’s a rich, creamy seafood appetizer that pairs perfectly!
4. Keto Sausage Balls (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free)
For those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy sausage balls by swapping Bisquick for almond flour. These keto-friendly sausage balls are just as delicious but without the extra carbs.
Why You Should Try Them:
- High in protein and low in carbs—great for keto dieters.
- Gluten-free and grain-free.
- Still crispy and cheesy without flour-based binders.
How to Make Them:
- Use 1 ½ cups almond flour instead of Bisquick.
- Add 1 tsp baking powder to help with texture.
- Include ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional) to bind the mixture better.
- Use full-fat cheese and sausage for extra flavor.
🔥 Looking for more low-carb meal ideas? This ground turkey recipe guide has plenty of high-protein, low-carb dishes!
5. Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Balls
For those who love a little heat, adding jalapeños makes these bold and flavorful. These are perfect for game-day snacks and pair great with cooling dips like sour cream or ranch.
What Makes Them Spicy?
- Diced jalapeños mixed into the batter.
- Pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for added spice.
How to Make Them:
- Use ½ cup diced fresh jalapeños (or pickled for milder heat).
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or habanero cheese.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra spiciness.
🔥 Want more spicy dishes? Try this egg roll in a bowl, a flavorful stir-fry packed with bold seasonings!
6. Turkey or Chicken Sausage Balls
For a leaner and healthier alternative, using ground turkey or chicken instead of pork results in a lighter sausage ball with less fat but plenty of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Lower in fat than pork sausage.
- Great for meal prep—easy to freeze and reheat.
- Perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
How to Make Them:
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of pork.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness.
- Mix in ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning to enhance flavor.
🔥 Pair these lean sausage balls with a veggie-packed dish like winter salad for a nutritious meal!
7. Italian Sausage Balls
For a more herbaceous and Italian-inspired version, using Italian sausage and parmesan cheese creates an irresistible, zesty flavor.
What Makes These Special?
- Rich, bold Italian flavors.
- Perfect for serving with marinara sauce.
- A great side for pasta dishes or antipasto platters.
How to Make Them:
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage.
- Swap cheddar for parmesan or mozzarella.
- Add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
🔥 Serve these alongside a classic Italian dish like baked spaghetti for a full Italian-inspired feast!
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Balls
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Place cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
🔥 If you love make-ahead meals, try this one-pan meals guide for even more easy meal prep ideas!
Best Dipping Sauces for Sausage Balls
Sausage balls taste amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right dipping sauce makes them even better!
- Ranch Dressing – Classic, creamy, and cool.
- Honey Mustard – A perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Cheese Dip – Melted Velveeta and Rotel for a Tex-Mex twist.
- BBQ Sauce – Adds a smoky-sweet flavor.
🔥 If you’re a fan of savory dipping sauces, you’ll love this smoked salmon dip—it’s creamy, flavorful, and makes a great party appetizer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Are My Sausage Balls Dry?
If your sausage balls turn out too dry, it’s usually due to one of the following reasons:
- Too much baking mix – If there’s too much Bisquick or flour, the mixture will be crumbly.
- Not enough fat – Using lean sausage (such as turkey or chicken) without adding extra moisture can lead to dryness.
- Overbaking – Cooking for too long will make the cheese and sausage release moisture, leaving them dry.
How to Fix It:
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of milk or cream cheese to the mixture.
- Use regular ground pork sausage, which has enough fat to keep the mixture moist.
- Reduce baking time by checking them after 15 minutes.
🔥 Want to learn more about achieving the perfect texture in baked foods? Check out this baking guide from King Arthur Baking to understand how ingredients affect moisture and texture.
2. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Sausage?
No, pre-cooked sausage does not work well for making sausage balls. The raw sausage binds the ingredients together, helping the balls hold their shape.
🔹 If you only have pre-cooked sausage, you can:
- Chop it finely and mix it with an egg to help bind the ingredients.
- Reduce the baking time since the sausage is already cooked.
- Add a small amount of cream cheese to maintain moisture.
🔥 If you’re looking for other ground meat-based dishes, try this chicken meatloaf for another protein-packed meal!
3. What’s the Best Cheese for Sausage Balls?
Cheese plays a big role in flavor and texture. The most common choice is sharp cheddar, but you can experiment with other options:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Melting Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar | Classic, strong flavor | Melts well, slightly crispy edges |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy, creamy texture | Melts smoothly, adds heat |
| Gouda | Mild, buttery flavor | Melts well, adds richness |
| Parmesan | Nutty, salty | Best combined with another cheese |
| Mozzarella | Mild, stretchy texture | Great for extra cheesiness |
🔥 Looking for more cheese-based recipe ideas? Check out this list of best cheeses for cooking from Bon Appétit!
4. Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes! Sausage balls are perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance.
🔹 Storage Options:
- Unbaked sausage balls can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- Fully baked sausage balls can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unbaked sausage balls for up to 3 months—just thaw them before baking.
🔥 If you’re interested in more meal prep ideas, read this freezing and storage guide from Food Network!
5. How Do I Reheat Sausage Balls?
The best way to reheat sausage balls depends on how crispy you want them:
- Oven (Best for Crispiness) – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer (Crispy & Quick) – Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave (Fastest, But Soft Texture) – Heat for 30-45 seconds.
🔥 Looking for more ways to keep food fresh after reheating? Check out this guide on keeping food warm from Serious Eats!
6. Are Sausage Balls Keto-Friendly?
Traditional sausage balls are not keto because Bisquick contains carbs. However, you can make them keto-friendly by using low-carb substitutes:
🔹 Keto-Friendly Ingredients:
- Almond flour or coconut flour instead of Bisquick.
- Full-fat shredded cheese for added fat content.
- Eggs or cream cheese to help with binding.
🔥 Want more keto-friendly recipes? Try these low-carb ground turkey recipes for delicious, high-protein meals!
7. Can I Use Different Meats Instead of Pork Sausage?
Yes! Sausage balls can be made with turkey, chicken, or beef, but you may need to adjust seasoning and moisture levels:
| Meat Type | Flavor | Adjustments Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Pork Sausage | Rich, fatty | No adjustments needed |
| Ground Turkey | Leaner, milder | Add olive oil or cream cheese for moisture |
| Ground Chicken | Mild, slightly dry | Season well, add extra cheese |
| Ground Beef | Hearty, stronger flavor | Use 80/20 ground beef for best results |
🔥 For a delicious turkey-based alternative, try making these turkey sausage patties!
8. How Do I Keep Sausage Balls Warm for a Party?
If you’re serving sausage balls at a holiday gathering, tailgate, or brunch, you’ll want to keep them warm:
- Slow Cooker: Set on “Warm” and stir occasionally.
- Oven: Keep at 200°F (93°C) and cover with foil.
- Warming Tray: Place on an electric warming tray at a low setting.
🔥 For more party food inspiration, check out this hamburger potato casserole—another crowd-pleasing dish!
Final Thoughts
Sausage balls recipe is a timeless favorite that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you prefer classic Bisquick sausage balls, spicy jalapeño versions, or gluten-free and keto-friendly alternatives, there’s a perfect recipe for everyone.
Why not try making a batch today? Experiment with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings to find your ultimate sausage ball recipe! 🧀🥓🔥