This sausage balls recipe is a blend of pork sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick and seasonings, all formed into balls and baked to golden brown perfection. A classic appetizer recipe that’s great for feeding a crowd!
When I’m entertaining, I like to offer a variety of hot appetizers including little smokies, bacon cheese fries and these hearty sausage balls. These sausage bites are the first thing to disappear at any party.
Sausage balls are a traditional party snack for good reason – they have just a handful of ingredients, are super easy to make and are totally delicious! My version uses plenty of cheese to really take the flavor to the next level.
Sausage ball ingredients
This recipe contains sausage, baking mix (such as Bisquick), cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, milk, pepper and parsley.
How do you make sausage balls?
Place sausage, Bisquick, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic and seasonings in a bowl. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and makes a stiff dough. Scoop out the sausage mixture and form into balls. Place the balls on a sheet pan, then bake until golden brown and cooked through. Add a sprinkle of parsley, then serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for the perfect sausage balls
- I use rolls of bulk pork sausage such as Jimmy Dean. This sausage is readily available in the breakfast meat area of most grocery stores.
- Use a measuring spoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the sausage mixture so that all of the balls are the same size and cook at the same rate.
- Skip the bags of pre-shredded cheese at the store and grate your own cheddar. The store bought shredded cheese is often coated with anti caking agents and preservatives and does not melt smoothly.
- You can use a spoon to mix the sausage mixture, or put everything into the bowl of a mixer to make the job go even faster.
- Sausage balls stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat any leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through.
- This recipe is typically made with Bisquick baking mix, but another similar brand will also work just fine.
- I typically serve this dish with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping, but other great options include ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce or horseradish sauce.
- You can prepare the sausage mixture and roll the balls up to 8 hours before you plan to bake them.
Recipe FAQs
This dish is made with bulk breakfast sausage, baking mix, cheddar cheese, and a variety of spices and seasonings.
Sausage bites are fully cooked when they are deep golden brown, and a thermometer inserted into the middle reads at least 160 degrees F.
You can freeze the balls for up to 2 months. You can thaw before reheating, or reheat from frozen. I recommend reheating them in the oven until they’re warmed through, which should take about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Flavor Variations
While this recipe is fabulous as-is, feel free to add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Sausage: Swap out the breakfast style sausage for Italian sausage or turkey sausage. Just be sure to use uncooked sausage, not the cooked or smoked varieties.
- Cheese: Instead of cheddar, try colby jack, swiss, mozzarella or pepper jack. Parmesan cheese is also a great choice.
- Flavorings: Stir in some spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning or chili powder.
- Herbs: Add in a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs including green onions, parsley or thyme.
When you’re looking for an easy appetizer that’s sure to please, these sausage bites always hit the spot!
More appetizer recipes to try
Sausage Balls Video
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 2 16 ounce rolls pork sausage such as Jimmy Dean
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose baking mix such as Bisquick
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup onion finely grated
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Place the sausage, baking mix, cheese, onion, garlic, milk and black pepper in a bowl; stir until thoroughly combined. A stand mixers works great for this!
- Roll the meat mixture into 1 inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned. Sprinkle with parsley then serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- I use rolls of bulk pork sausage such as Jimmy Dean. This sausage is readily available in the breakfast meat area of most grocery stores.
- Use a measuring spoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the sausage mixture so that all of the balls are the same size and cook at the same rate.
- Skip the bags of pre-shredded cheese at the store and grate your own cheddar. The store bought shredded cheese is often coated with anti caking agents and preservatives and does not melt smoothly.
Paul says
The prep time is misleading. Mixing everything takes ten minutes. Rolling out 36 balls in ten minutes can’t be done. Yes, these are great and perfect base to make all sort of variations. Next time I’ll try this with a touch of ghost pepper to provide heat and still let all the flavors through.
Rhonda says
They turned out so great and very easy to make!
Mary says
Could they be frozen
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Jay says
have you ever tried this recipe with Turkey Sausage or Vegan Sausage instead?
Katie says
These were super easy to make and turned out great!!
Toni Dash says
This is so good!! Everyone at my house really loved it!
Shelley says
Total classic recipe that just never disappoints! But what’s especially great are all your suggestions to change it up from time to time – my boys will be soooo excited for kickier versions with pepper jack or even cajun seasoning. Great ideas – thank you!
Beth says
My family and I love this recipe! I’m so excited to make this again! Can’t wait!
Suzy says
These are so good! Really easy to make and makes for the perfect appetizer!
Beti says
These are SO awesome! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
katerina @ diethood.com says
These sausage balls would be a huge hit at our house!! They are incredibly delicious!
Kimberly says
Got some pork thawing right now and am looking forward to whipping up a batch of these sausage balls!
Beth says
These look so delicious and tasty! I can’t wait to give these a try! My son is going to love these!
Erin says
This sausage balls looks totally awesome!
Kim says
OH I love these! Thanks for reminding me about this classic recipe! They are great for potlucks.
Dorothy says
I could see this being a big hit all season long, for whatever we’re watching on TV!