Sausage Balls Recipe

Cook Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Yield:

8 dozen

It's no surprise that Southerners love easy-to-make finger foods, and these sausage balls combine three staple ingredients into one crave-worthy dish. Packed with hot pork sausage and sharp Cheddar cheese, this sausage balls recipe is both hearty and flavorful. It's sure to impress even the pickiest food connoisseur at your dining room or picnic table.

These mouthwatering sausage balls take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish, and it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a grab-and-go snack.

Every tried-and-true Southerner knows the power of an impeccable, go-to sausage ball recipe. When all else fails, this classic dish is the textbook choice for anyone hoping to enjoy some comfort food.

Be sure to give the sausage balls a try when they are hot from the oven. The melted Cheddar cheese and spicy sausage combination is what dreams are made of. Here's a warning: Be sure to make extra because these handheld treats are definitely worth fighting for.

Recipe Note

This recipe was re-tested and updated in October 2022.

Sausage Balls - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Sausage Balls

These sausage balls only require three ingredients for eight dozen (yes, we said eight) hearty, comforting bites. To make them, you'll need:

All-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick): Be sure to spoon and level your baking mix when using measuring cups for the right quantity.
Ground hot pork sausage, uncooked: Can be substituted with other types of sausage, including uncooked Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, and more.
Sharp Cheddar cheese: Shred fresh from a block for the meltiest texture.

ingredients for Sausage Balls — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Sausage Balls

These sausage balls come together easily—but be sure to call in help from the family when it comes time for rolling to help speed up the process.

Step 1. Combine all ingredients, and mix to combine. Shape into 3/4-inch balls, and place onto lightly greased baking sheets.
Step 2. Bake in a preheated 400ºF oven for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned.

Tips for the Best Sausage Balls

For the best sausage balls, keep these tips in mind:

Spoon and level your dry ingredients: Too much baking mix can equal dense, dry balls.
Bring the ingredients to room temperature: Room temperature sausage and cheese blend more easily with the baking mix.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents in the mix that keep them from melting properly.
Use a fatty sausage: Fattier sausage varieties provide more moisture for binding the balls.
Scoop then roll: Use a small scoop to portion the mixture before rolling for consistently-sized balls.

Variations for Sausage Balls

When an appetizer is this simple, feel free to get creative:

Add cream cheese: Adding cream cheese is a great way of incorporating additional richness and flavor.
Add veggies: Diced green or red bell peppers, onions, celery, scallions, or jalapeños can be mixed in for additional flavor and color.
Add herbs: Consider adding chopped parsley, chives, cilantro, and more.
Use flavored baking mix: Amp up the flavor by using a Cheddar biscuit mix in the place of the all-purpose variety.
Add chorizo: One Southern Living community member mentioned using part chorizo for a bold kick of flavor.
Additional flavor: From garlic powder and cayenne pepper to red pepper flakes, pimiento or Parmesan cheese, you can't go wrong with adding spice or more cheese into the mix.

Can I Make Sausage Balls Ahead?

You can prepare these balls up to one day in advance. Just assemble the mixture and roll as directed, then transfer to a baking sheet, wrap and chill. Bring to room temperature before baking as directed.

Can I Freeze Sausage Balls?

You can easily freeze uncooked sausage balls to get ahead of your party prep. Flash freeze on baking sheets until firm to keep them from sticking together, then transfer to freezer-safe zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. Bake frozen balls at 400ºF for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

You can also freeze the baked balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Just bring to room temperature, then warm in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave before serving.

More Sausage Ball Recipes You'll Love

Want more sausage ball recipes in your arsenal? Don't stop here—check out these recipes for more delicious twists on this easy appetizer:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1 lb. ground hot pork sausage, uncooked
1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Prepare oven and baking sheets:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray two baking sheets with cooking spray.
Combine ingredients:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pressing mixture together with hands.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Make sausage balls:

Shape into 3/4-inch balls, and place on lightly greased baking sheets.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bake sausage balls:

Bake at 400ºF for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Chef's Note

For testing purposes only, we used Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my sausage balls dry?

Be sure to spoon and level your baking mix to avoid adding more than intended. If your sausage was lean, this may also account for a dry texture. If needed, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the sausage ball mixture binds together.
Do I need to refrigerate sausage balls?

Sausage balls can sit out while serving for up to two hours. Past that point, they should be refrigerated and reheated.
Do sausage balls need a dipping sauce?

Sausage balls are delicious all on their own, but you can pair with ranch, honey mustard, or any other dipping sauce you love.