Name: Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or hot); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces); 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick); 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

There’s just something about these bite-sized, cheesy, and savory snacks that makes the Sausage Balls Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, they’re perfect for game days, brunches, or just when you want to feel a little extra cozy.

A round white bowl filled with many small round baked snacks that have a rough surface with visible orange cheese bits mixed in, giving them a slightly bumpy and textured look. The snacks are piled high, forming a layered heap that almost fills the bowl, which is lined with light brown parchment paper. The background shows a white marbled surface with some shredded yellow cheese slightly out of focus in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these sausage balls countless times, and honestly, they never disappoint. They’re easy to prep, bake up quick, and everyone always asks me for the recipe. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable—you can make them mild for the kids or spicy for flavor lovers.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients.
Quick Prep & Bake: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Flavor: You control spice levels and cheese type to suit your taste.
Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and easy to serve, they’re always gone before you know it.

A pile of small, round baked cheese balls with rough, golden brown and orange-yellow textured surfaces sits inside a round white metal dish lined with light brown parchment paper. The cheese balls are arranged closely together, showing crispy spots and melted cheese patches. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with scattered colorful toothpicks, including blue, green, yellow, and orange, placed nearby. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These sausage balls strike a balance between cheesy, savory, and soft textures thanks to the combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and baking mix. Each ingredient plays a role in making the perfect little bites that hold their shape without being dry.

Flat lay of ground pork sausage in a raw and textured state, a block of smooth cream cheese partially sliced, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese scattered artfully, and a neat pile of all-purpose baking mix with a soft powdery texture, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and natural lighting, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground pork sausage: I usually use mild sausage, but feel free to kick it up with hot sausage or add spices.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds punch; pre-shredded works fine, but freshly shredded melts better.
All-purpose baking mix: A shortcut like Bisquick saves time and adds just the right amount of binding and tenderness.
Cream cheese: Adds incredible richness and moisture to the dough; soften it before mixing for easier handling.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this sausage balls recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. You can switch up the type of sausage, add herbs, or change the cheese to keep things exciting.

Spicy Kick: I’ve added cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a little heat, and it’s always a hit with the spice lovers at my table.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist—I’ve done it, and it adds such a lovely depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick to make it friendly for everyone.
Herbs & Add-ins: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives mixed into the dough brighten the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pans

First things first, I preheat my oven to 400°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you use foil, it’s great to lightly spray it with nonstick spray so the sausage balls don’t stick. This step makes cleanup super easy and saves time.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

This part is straightforward but key. I soften the cream cheese ahead of time so it blends smoothly with the sausage. Using a mixer, I combine the cream cheese and sausage until well blended. Then, I add in the baking mix and mix well before folding in the shredded cheddar cheese until just incorporated. Overmixing can make these tough, so I stop once everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Forming the Sausage Balls

I like to use a #50 cookie scoop to portion about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time. This makes each ball around an inch in diameter — perfect for little bites that bring maximum flavor. Roll each into a ball with your hands and spread them evenly on the sheet pans. Don’t crowd them; they need a little room to cook evenly.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and cooked through. A handy tip: use a meat thermometer to check they’ve hit 165°F inside. That ensures safety without overbaking and drying them out.

Top Tip

After making sausage balls multiple times, I’ve learned some little tricks that make a big difference!

Softened Cream Cheese: Always soften the cream cheese ahead — it blends easier and keeps the texture silky.
Don’t Overmix: Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender, not tough.
Uniform Size Matters: Using a scoop helps ensure even cooking and keeps all sausage balls bite-sized.
Use a Thermometer: This helps you avoid undercooking or drying out the sausage balls by checking for 165°F internal temp.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over warm sausage balls for a pop of color and a fresh herb finish. Sometimes I serve them with a side of honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping — it’s a game-changer in flavor!

Side Dishes

These sausage balls go great with simple sides like fresh fruit platters, deviled eggs, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. I’ve also served them with scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch spread that everyone loved.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve sausage balls on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different mustards and cheeses for a mini charcuterie vibe. Rolling them in crushed nuts or sesame seeds before baking is another fun twist I’ve tried for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days, making them easy to grab for quick snacks or adding to a lunchbox. Just warm them up before serving.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing sausage balls works beautifully. I freeze them raw on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. When I want some, I bake them directly from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy outside. The microwave works if you’re in a rush, but you may lose some crispness that way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well for a lighter version, but since it's leaner, you might want to add a bit more cream cheese or a touch of olive oil to keep the sausage balls moist.

How do I make these sausage balls gluten-free?

Just swap the all-purpose baking mix for a gluten-free baking mix of equal quantity. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.

Can I prepare these sausage balls in advance?

Yes! You can mix and form the sausage balls, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for saving time on party day.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sausage balls?

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Using a microwave is quicker but can make them a bit soggy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Sausage Balls Recipe feels like a little party in every bite, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, and that they bring the same cozy, delicious vibes to your table and gatherings. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a favorite go-to for snacks and appetizers.