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 truly comforting about bite-sized snacks that bring a burst of cheesy, savory goodness in every nibble. This Sausage Balls Recipe is one of my go-to treats when I want to impress guests or just snack on something utterly satisfying. Plus, they’re deceptively simple to whip up!

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

Honestly, I’ve made my fair share of appetizer recipes, but sausage balls always have a special place on my snack table. They’re so simple yet pack that perfect balance of cheesy, meaty flavor with a bit of tenderness inside and a slight crisp outside once baked. Every single time I make them, they disappear faster than I expect!

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with just a few simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
Kid and Crowd Favorite: These little balls are perfect finger food everyone loves, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
Versatile Flavor: Mild or spicy sausage, extra cheese, or cream cheese—you can tweak the recipe to fit your mood.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and bake right before guests arrive or freeze for easy snacks later.

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

Each ingredient here plays a part in building that tender yet tasty sausage ball everyone raves about. It’s all about balance—richness from the cheeses, seasoning and moisture from the sausage, and just enough baking mix to bind it all.

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 prefer mild, but hot sausage adds a delightful kick. The fat content keeps the balls juicy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that classic cheesy punch and melts beautifully inside.
All-purpose baking mix: Using a baking mix like Bisquick simplifies this recipe and keeps the texture tender yet firm.
Cream cheese: This is my secret weapon—it adds moisture and creaminess that helps hold the balls together and keeps every bite soft.

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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. Sometimes I like it extra cheesy, other times I throw in a bit of cayenne for spice. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find what suits your taste buds perfectly.

Variation: I once added chopped green onions and a pinch of smoked paprika—totally changed the flavor in a good way!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the baking mix for a gluten-free blend to keep it friendly for celiac friends.
Make It Sweeter: Try adding a small amount of maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist for brunch parties.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. I always line two sheet pans with parchment paper—makes cleanup a breeze! If you’re using foil, give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray so the balls don’t stick and break apart.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Sausage Batter

In a large bowl, I like to mix the cream cheese and ground sausage first. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer really helps break up the sausage and blend it evenly. Then add in the baking mix followed by the shredded cheddar. Mix just until everything comes together—you don’t want to overwork the dough, or the texture can get tough.

Step 3: Form Your Sausage Balls

Grab about a tablespoon of dough for each ball—I use a #50 scoop which makes perfect 1-inch balls. Roll them gently in your hands and place them evenly spaced on your prepared sheet pans. Don’t overcrowd them; they need some room to brown nicely.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the sausage balls are done when lightly browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature hitting 165°F. Let them cool a bit before devouring so they hold their shape well.

Top Tip

From my years of kitchen experiments with sausage balls, here are some tips that make a world of difference in your baking success.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softening your cream cheese before mixing ensures it blends thoroughly without clumps.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to dense, tough sausage balls instead of tender, fluffy bites.
Use a Portion Scoop: A small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop makes uniform balls that cook evenly.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and safe cooking every time.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives—adds a pop of color and freshness. But sometimes a drizzle of honey mustard or a side of tangy ranch dip elevates them for parties.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even alongside a warm bowl of soup. For gatherings, I like to serve them with deviled eggs and a veggie platter to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged them on a multi-tiered platter topped with edible flowers for a bridal shower—it was a hit! You can also skewer sausage balls with pickles or olives or nestle them in little muffin liners for individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they hold up well for up to 4 days. Reheating in the oven helps crisp them back up nicely.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully, too! I freeze them raw on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag so I can bake fresh whenever I want. Or freeze baked ones for a quick reheat snack—both ways work great.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat sausage balls is in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This method keeps that crisp outside texture you want and warms the inside perfectly without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. Just keep in mind it might be less fatty and slightly drier, so adding a bit more cream cheese or an extra egg can help keep sausage balls moist.

How do I make these gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose baking mix for a gluten-free baking mix with similar leavening agents. Just make sure it’s labeled gluten-free to be safe, and the texture should be just as good.

Can I prepare sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them?

Definitely! You can shape the sausage balls and freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

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

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them baked or raw in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Balls Recipe has become a little family favorite and my trusty go-to for so many occasions. They're easy to make, fun to customize, and always a hit whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just an everyday snack. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over, just like I do!