There’s something timeless about a tray of Sausage Balls fresh out of the oven — golden, cheesy, and irresistible. They’re one of those recipes that’s been passed around at potlucks and family gatherings for generations.
You’ll find them at tailgates, brunches, and holiday spreads across the South — crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and impossible to eat just one.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Balls
This recipe checks every box for a party favorite — easy, cheesy, and downright comforting.
- Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep
- Great for holidays, parties, or quick snacks
- Perfectly crispy outside and tender inside
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Easy to double or triple for a crowd
They’re nostalgic but never go out of style — the kind of bite that disappears faster than you can set them on the table.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe just enough to make it foolproof and perfect for any occasion. If you love the buttery comfort of my Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you’re going to love these little flavor-packed bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pound spicy sausage
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use mild sausage for a less spicy version
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth
- Mix in chopped green onions for color and flavor
- Try pepper jack cheese for extra kick
- Serve with honey mustard or ranch dipping sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
My version of this classic keeps it simple — mix, roll, and bake. No fancy equipment or special tricks, just straightforward Southern goodness.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine Bisquick, sausage, cheddar cheese, and milk. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until fully combined. (Jake’s tip: Don’t worry if it feels sticky — that’s how you know the texture will be soft and cheesy once baked.)
- Form the balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a ball. Place them evenly on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and the cheese has melted into the dough.
- Cool slightly before serving: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up slightly.
Quick Reminders:
- Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded blends don’t melt as well.
- If the dough feels too dry, add another splash of milk.
- For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through.
- Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy pull.
Expert Tips for Success
It’s hard to mess up sausage balls, but these tips make them perfect every time.
- Use cold sausage — it mixes more evenly with the Bisquick.
- Don’t overmix; it keeps the texture light.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized portions.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you love extra spice.
- Freeze unbaked sausage balls and bake straight from frozen when needed.
- Make a dipping trio: honey mustard, spicy ranch, and marinara.
If you’re building a party menu, try serving these alongside Tortilla Bites or Pistachio Crusted Brie Bites — together they make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls are versatile enough for any occasion.
- Serve warm with toothpicks at game day parties
- Add to breakfast boards alongside fruit and eggs
- Pair with a side of scrambled eggs for brunch
- Serve with marinara or spicy aioli for dipping
- Add them to your holiday appetizer table with Beef Wellington Bites
- Reheat and pack in lunchboxes for an easy protein bite
However you serve them, these bites always bring smiles and second helpings.
Storing and Reheating
How to Store It
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months.
- To freeze, arrange on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip bag.
How to Reheat It
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot.
- Or warm in an air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F for a crisp exterior.
- Avoid microwaving for too long — it can make them rubbery.
These sausage balls taste just as good reheated, making them perfect for prepping ahead of busy weekends or gatherings.
Nutrition (Per Serving – About 3 Sausage Balls)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Calcium: 160 mg
- Iron: 1.3 mg
They’re rich, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying — a little indulgence that feels worth every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cheese?
Yes — pepper jack or Colby cheese add a fun twist and still melt beautifully.
Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing?
No — the sausage cooks perfectly as the balls bake.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Sausage Balls are the kind of recipe that never leaves the party early — they’re simple, nostalgic, and always a hit. I love serving them during football season or Sunday brunches when friends drop by. They remind me that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones made with just a handful of ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
- Use good sausage and sharp cheddar for flavor that stands out.
- Don’t overthink it — this recipe is as easy as it gets.
- Make extra — they’ll be gone before halftime.
If you’re putting together your next holiday menu, pair these with my Cheddar Bay Biscuits for the ultimate Southern-style comfort spread — buttery, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Bisquick, turkey sausage, cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Place evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 22 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted into the dough.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage to keep it pork-free.
- If no cooking times were listed, estimates were used: Bake for 22 minutes based on typical method defaults.
- Nutrition per serving (3 balls) was taken directly from the recipe.
