Sausage Cheese Balls are a timeless crowd-pleaser, especially during holidays, parties, and game day gatherings. These savory bites are made with just a few pantry ingredients, ground sausage, shredded cheese, and baking mix, yet deliver bold flavor, a satisfying texture, and addictive appeal. Whether served warm straight from the oven or prepped ahead and reheated, sausage cheese balls make entertaining easy and delicious. Their make-ahead potential, freezer-friendliness, and versatility for breakfast or snacks make them a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on hand year-round. Perfectly crisp on the outside and cheesy on the inside, they disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) bulk pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick or other baking mix
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage, shredded cheddar, baking mix, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
Step 3:
Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
Step 4:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and place balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and sausage is fully cooked through.
Step 6:
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for color and added flavor.
Step 7:
Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
Variation
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage or add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Cheddar-Jack Twist: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for more heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix and double-check your sausage is gluten-free.
- Cream Cheese Version: Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to make the balls even creamier.
- Bacon Lovers: Fold in ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon with the cheese and sausage.
Cooking Notes
- Sausage should be raw (not pre-cooked) when added to the mixture.
- Shred your own cheese for best melting, pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents.
- A cookie scoop helps ensure uniform sizes for even baking.
- Don’t overbake, remove when golden and internal temp is at least 160°F.
- If the mixture feels dry, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of milk to help bind.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a trio of dips: ranch, sriracha mayo, and BBQ sauce.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty breakfast.
- Add to a holiday charcuterie board for a savory bite.
- Serve alongside a soup like Creamy Tomato or Broccoli Cheddar for a cozy meal.
- Pack into a lunchbox or serve for brunch potlucks.
Tips
- Make the mixture a day ahead and chill in the fridge for easier shaping.
- Freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
- To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Use silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- For crispier bottoms, bake on a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Info (per ball, approx. 1 tablespoon size, assuming 30 total)
Calories: 95
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: <1g
Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I make sausage cheese balls ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Or freeze uncooked balls and bake straight from frozen when needed.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
- Absolutely. Lean turkey sausage works well, just be aware the texture may be slightly different.
Why are my sausage balls dry?
- You may have used pre-shredded cheese or too much baking mix. Add more milk or a little cream cheese for moisture next time.
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
- No. The sausage should be raw when mixed with the other ingredients. It cooks fully in the oven.
What’s the best cheese to use?
- Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also try gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Sausage Cheese Balls are one of those irresistible bites that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients and quick prep time, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Their crisp, cheesy exterior and juicy sausage center make them ideal for parties, holidays, or simply a cozy weekend breakfast. You can customize them endlessly with spice, cheese blends, or even hidden veggies. Keep a batch in your freezer for surprise guests or last-minute snacks, they’ll never know they weren’t made fresh that day. From Christmas brunch to tailgate trays, sausage cheese balls deserve a permanent place in your recipe collection.