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 something so comforting about the warm, cheesy aroma of fresh baked sausage bites filling the kitchen. This Sausage Balls Recipe is a game-changer for easy entertaining, game day snacks, or even a quick appetizer during the week. Trust me, once you make these, they'll become a staple in your snack rotation.

A bowl filled with many round, bumpy cheese and meat balls that are golden brown with orange melted cheese spots throughout. The balls have a rough texture and are resting on parchment paper inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. To the side, some shredded yellow cheese pieces lie on the white marbled background. The warm colors of the balls contrast with the light neutral tones of the bowl and surface. 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

From the first batch I made, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful these sausage balls were. They hit that perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and just a little bit spicy if you opt for hot sausage. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute guests or fun family snacks.

Effortless Preparation: You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to get these into the oven.
Versatile Flavor Profiles: Use mild or hot sausage depending on your taste, making it family-friendly or a bit spicy for adults.
Perfect Party Food: They’re bite-sized and easy to eat standing or sitting, which makes them great for gatherings.
Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead or freeze the balls to bake fresh anytime.

A round metal tray lined with brown paper filled with about two layers of golden-brown baked cheese and meat balls, each ball showing melted orange cheese pockets on the surface, placed on a rustic wooden table with colorful toothpicks scattered to the side, and shredded orange cheese blurred in the background, all on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this sausage balls recipe plays a crucial role in texture and flavor. From creamy cheese to the sturdy baking mix, here’s the scoop so your batch turns out just right every time.

Flat lay of fresh ground pork sausage in a neat mound, a block of creamy white cream cheese with smooth texture, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, scattered golden baking mix powder, and a few sausage balls browned to perfection, all beautifully arranged with a few sprigs of fresh green herbs for color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground pork sausage: This provides the rich, savory base with plenty of flavor — you can choose mild or hot depending on your preference.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts and binds everything together while adding that irresistible cheesy flavor.
All-purpose baking mix: Using a baking mix like Bisquick simplifies the process and gives the sausage balls a tender, biscuit-like texture.
Cream cheese: This adds moisture and richness, keeping the sausage balls soft and slightly creamy inside.

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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

I love tweaking this sausage balls recipe depending on the occasion. It’s so easy to personalize — add a little more spice or swap cheeses to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: One time, I added chopped jalapeños to the mix for a kick that everyone loved during a backyard BBQ.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a new flavor experience.
Herbs and Spices: A sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley can make these taste even more gourmet.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking mix, and you’re good to go without missing a beat.

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

Step 1: Prepping for the Perfect Mix

First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F. I always line my sheet pans with parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you’re using foil, give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little prep step saves you from scrubbing later — trust me!

Step 2: Mixing the Magic

In a big bowl, I start by using a mixer to blend the cream cheese and sausage until smooth and combined. This step ensures the sausage is evenly coated and flavorful throughout. Then, add your baking mix and give it another good mix before folding in the shredded cheddar. The key here is not to overmix once the cheese goes in — just enough so everything comes together.

Step 3: Forming the Perfect Balls

I use a #50 cookie scoop to portion about a tablespoon of dough for each ball, rolling them gently with my hands to create consistent 1-inch bites. Having uniform sizes helps everything bake evenly, so keep that in mind. Place them on your prepared sheet pans with a little space between for even cooking.

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake your sausage balls for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should hit 165°F for safe eating. Hot out of the oven, they're seriously irresistible, but giving them a few minutes to cool keeps you from burning your tongue!

Top Tip

After dozens of batches, I’ve learned a few simple tweaks that take these sausage balls from good to unforgettable. Here’s what’s helped me every time I make this recipe:

Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends easier with the sausage, preventing clumps and helping the dough bind better.
Don’t overmix after adding cheese: Overworking the cheese can make the texture rubbery, so mix just until incorporated.
Uniform ball size: Using a cookie scoop helps your sausage balls bake evenly, so none of them end up overcooked or underdone.
Check internal temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F — it’s the easiest way to guarantee safe, juicy bites.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a mild freshness that complements the richness. Sometimes, a little side of grainy mustard or spicy ketchup makes for a fantastic dipping combo, especially with guests over.

Side Dishes

I love pairing sausage balls with crunchy raw veggies like celery and carrot sticks for a balance of texture and flavor. They also make a fun companion to a crisp green salad or even a warm bowl of soup during colder months.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange sausage balls on a tiered serving tray surrounded by colorful dips and pickles — it instantly looks festive. Serving them with toothpicks on a rustic wooden board always gets compliments and makes snacking feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep perfectly for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps restore a bit of that fresh-baked crispiness, which I really appreciate.

Freezing

One of my favorite hacks is to freeze uncooked sausage balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Whenever I want a quick treat, I just bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes. This makes entertaining a total breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them juicy inside without drying out the cheese or sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using turkey sausage is a great lighter option—it may change the fat content a bit, so watch your baking time and don't overbake to keep them moist.

How do I prevent sausage balls from being dry?

Make sure not to overbake and use room temperature cream cheese in the mix to keep the sausage balls moist and tender. Also, using a baking mix instead of plain flour helps maintain good texture.

Can I make these sausage balls gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose baking mix for a gluten-free baking mix, and you'll have delicious gluten-free sausage balls that everyone can enjoy.

How long do sausage balls last in the freezer?

Sausage balls will last up to 3 months in the freezer when properly stored in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen.

Final Thoughts

This sausage balls recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and crowd-pleasing — kind of like that dependable friend you always want to have around. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, packing them for lunch, or just snacking solo, I hope they bring you as much joy and ease as they’ve brought me. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!