Sausage Balls
If you’re looking for a party appetizer that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a hit, look no further than Sausage Balls. These little bites are the perfect combination of savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of biscuit mix for the perfect texture.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just need a quick snack, these Sausage Balls are your new go-to. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls
Let’s be real—these Sausage Balls are a crowd favorite for a reason. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears as soon as you set them out. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
1. They’re quick and easy. With just 3 main ingredients (sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix), you can whip these up in no time. No complicated steps, no fancy techniques—just mix, roll, and bake.
2. Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a game day party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these Sausage Balls fit right in. They’re also great for meal prep or a quick snack when cravings hit.
3. Totally customizable. Use your favorite type of sausage (like turkey or chicken), switch up the cheese, or add spices to make them your own. They’re a blank canvas for your creativity.
4. Make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the dough, shape the balls, and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for busy schedules!
5. Kid-approved. Let’s face it—kids love anything bite-sized and cheesy. These Sausage Balls are a guaranteed hit with the little ones (and the grown-ups too).
6. Budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this a go-to recipe when you need to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
How to Make Them
Making Sausage Balls is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all the time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
You’ll need ground turkey sausage (or chicken sausage), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and biscuit mix. That’s it! Optional add-ins like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can take the flavor up a notch.
Step 2: Mix the dough.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix—just get it to the point where the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape the balls.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Pro tip: Use a cookie scoop to make this step faster and ensure all the balls are the same size.
Step 4: Bake to perfection.
Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Let them cool slightly (they’ll be piping hot!), then serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as-is.
Make Ahead Method
One of the best things about Sausage Balls is how well they lend themselves to prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to do it:
1. Refrigerate the dough.
After mixing the ingredients and shaping the balls, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven—no need to adjust the baking time.
2. Freeze for later.
If you want to make these even further in advance, freeze the unbaked Sausage Balls. Here’s how:
- Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours (this prevents them from sticking together).
- Transfer the frozen balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Bake from frozen.
When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Just place the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Freeze baked Sausage Balls.
If you’ve already baked a batch and have leftovers, you can freeze those too. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Pro Tips
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—overmixing can make the balls dense.
- Use a cookie scoop. It makes shaping the balls quick and easy.
- Add a little spice. Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storage Options
Store leftover Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
You can also freeze baked Sausage Balls for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Tools For This Recipe
- Large mixing bowl. Perfect for combining the ingredients.
- Baking sheet. A standard-sized sheet works great.
- Parchment paper. Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop (optional). Helps shape the balls quickly and evenly.
FAQs!
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey sausage, ground chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a twist.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses would work well.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour as a substitute.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze unbaked or baked Sausage Balls for up to 3 months.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the ingredients and shape the balls up to 24 hours in advance.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy version: Use spicy turkey sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy version: Add extra cheese or a mix of cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour.
Low-carb: Swap the biscuit mix for almond flour and use a low-carb sausage.
Add-ins: Mix in chopped jalapeños, green onions, or cooked turkey bacon for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Sausage Balls are the ultimate party appetizer—easy to make, totally customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Give them a try and let me know how they turned out for you in the comments! Did you add any twists? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
The Best Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix like Bisquick
- ½ tsp garlic powder optional
- ½ tsp onion powder optional
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, biscuit mix, and optional seasonings.
- Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
