This quick and easy Classic Sausage Balls Recipe makes perfect bite-sized party appetizers or tasty snacks. With just eight simple ingredients, these balls are ready for the oven in about fifteen minutes. They are always a huge hit with family and friends. Serve them fresh out of the oven just as they are or with a simple sauce or dip to dress them up.
How to make Sausage Balls
Add the pork sausage and Bisquick baking mix to a large bowl. Using your hands, combine the mixture as much as possible. Then add the shredded cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ground black pepper. Using your hands again, mix it all together.
Then roll the mixture into slightly larger than 1-inch balls and place the uncooked sausage balls on a parchment-covered baking sheet with a bit of space between them so the oven heat can brown them. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For best results, serve these balls promptly.
Beth’s Tips For Making the Best Sausage Balls
- You can use any ground pork sausage or Italian sausage. I like to choose one that is not too lean and one that does not have too much fat. The fat in the sausage gives it flavor, but I don’t like it floating in grease.
- Let the pork sausage and cheddar come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes, but do not let them sit longer than that for safety reasons.
- A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop is ideal for portioning the mixture for uniform-sized meatballs.
- Try adding a little Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or crushed red pepper for a flavor variation.
- I like to use parchment paper for even browning, optimal baking, and easy clean-up.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bisquick is an all-purpose baking and biscuit mix. If you can’t get it or you prefer not to buy it, make your own homemade Bisquick mix. Whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then, use a pastry blender to cut in 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening. Now, you are ready to proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Every brand of pork sausage has a slightly different fat ratio. The amount of milk you use may need to be increased or decreased just a touch. You want the baking mix to blend in reasonably well. The finely minced onions and garlic help keep the sausage balls moist. For best results, cook just until done.
Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, or Monterey Jack Cheese.
Serve these delicious appetizers with your favorite dipping sauce. Some of our favorites are comeback sauce, boom boom sauce, chick fil a sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, maple syrup, or marinara.
The mixture for the balls can be prepped up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. You can also roll them and flash-freeze them. Then, store them in a heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw on a baking sheet for 20 minutes and bake as directed.
More appetizer recipes
Sausage Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork sausage or turkey sausage
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 4 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ to 1/3 cup milk see notes
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup finely minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the pork sausage and Bisquick baking mix to a large bowl. Using your hands, combine the mixture together as much as possible.
- Add the shredded cheddar, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ground black pepper. Using your hands again, mix it all together.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 1-inch space between the balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For best results, serve promptly.
Notes
- You can use any ground pork sausage or Italian sausage. I like to choose one that is not too lean and one that does not have too much fat. The fat in the sausage gives it flavor, but I don’t like it floating in grease.
- Let the pork sausage and cheddar come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes, but do not let them sit longer than that for safety reasons.
- A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop is ideal for portioning out the mixture for uniform-sized meatballs.
- For a flavor variation, try adding a little Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or crushed red pepper.
- I like to use parchment paper for even browning, optimal baking, and easy clean-up.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
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Abida
I really loved this SAUSAGE BALLS RECIPE thanks for sharing this ❤
Eileen M Loya
My daughter’s birthday is this month and we’re planning a little party for her. These sausage balls are the perfect appetizer. Thanks for the cooking tips and for letting me know about a substitute for Bisquick baking mix too.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Eileen! Enjoy!!
Rosey
Sausage is so flavorful too. These are perfect for an appetizer at most any gathering!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rosey!
Marysa
Sounds so tasty, and easy enough to make. I could see myself making a big batch of these and freezing the leftovers.
Kelly Bolen
These look so good! I pinned it for later!!! Thanks!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Kelly!
Melanie williams
Ooo now this looks very simple to follow and also will be great comfort food which my husband will love. thanks x
Claudia
With few ingredients and you already have a delicious snack or side dish. I like a recipe that uses only one bowl.
Beth Pierce
Me too!!
alita
This is a great idea for snacks. Also, it’s easy and quick to make. Excellent recipe here Beth. Thank you for sharing
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Tweenselmom
I’m glad I have most of the ingredients already. Can’t wait to cook this one!
Heatherkleinwolf
What a great alternative to meatballs. My son loves these sausage balls.
Beth Pierce
Thankyou! So glad that he likes them!
Talya Stone
Oh wow these were so good! My daughter is mad for all things sausage so she made them and we loved them.
Jeanne
Sounds delicious – Any idea if this can be made with Carbquick Instead of Bisquick?
Beth Pierce
I am not familiar with Carbquick. However after doing some research on the internet it looks like you sure can!
Tina Festorazie
Hi,
Can you use a Food Processor (Kitchenaid) to combine the ingredients together? Please.
Beth Pierce
Yes you can
Catalina
These sausage balls are so delicious. My family loved them!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
Love these Sausage Balls! Can’t wait to try them!
Erik
Wow such an easy recipe! I know a few folks who would simply love these!