There are few appetizers as universally loved as classic sausage cheese balls. This easy Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or a simple savory breakfast. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, these bites are packed with flavor, wonderfully moist on the inside, and perfectly golden on the outside. Forget dry, crumbly sausage balls; this recipe is your new go-to for foolproof results every single time. They are the ultimate party food that disappears as fast as you can make them!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes this recipe a standout. It’s not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about the perfect ratio and a few key tips that guarantee success. This recipe is designed to be incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. It’s the kind of reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Incredibly Easy: With just 3 main ingredients, it doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Perfectly Moist: We have the secret to avoiding dry sausage balls for a tender, delicious bite every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for party planning, you can prep these in advance to save time.
A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Watch them fly off the plate! This is a recipe everyone asks for.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry staples for this classic recipe. The quality of your ingredients will shine through, so pick your favorites!
Mixing it up is the hardest part - and it's easy!
Ground Pork Sausage: A one-pound roll of your favorite breakfast sausage is the star. Use a mild, hot, or sage variety depending on your preference. Do not use pre-cooked sausage.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the balls greasy.
Baking Mix: The classic choice is Bisquick, which provides the perfect structure and flavor.
Optional Add-ins: A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne can add an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Sausage Cheese Balls Step-by-Step
Making this sausage cheese balls recipe is as simple as mix, roll, and bake. Follow these steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare and Combine
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the raw ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and baking mix. It’s easiest to use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture will be stiff, so don’t be afraid to get in there and work it!
Step 2: Mix and Form the Balls
Continue mixing until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and no dry patches of baking mix remain. This step is key to ensuring the sausage balls are moist. Once mixed, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
Perfectly baked and ready to devour!
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or serving platter. For another fantastic appetizer, try this Classic Cheese Ball Recipe.
Pro Tips for the BEST Sausage Balls
Unlock the secret to the most delicious sausage balls with these simple but effective tips.
Don’t Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: Grating your own cheese from a block is the number one tip for better sausage balls. It melts more smoothly and prevents a greasy texture.
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Allowing the sausage and cheese to sit out for about 20-30 minutes makes them much easier to mix.
Do Not Overbake: Keep a close eye on them. Overbaking is the fastest way to get dry, hard sausage balls. Pull them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized sausage balls that cook evenly, use a small cookie scoop.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
Add Cream Cheese
For an even richer and moister texture, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture. This is a game-changer!
Spice It Up
If you like heat, use a hot variety of pork sausage or add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix. For a different flavor profile, consider this creamy white chicken chili recipe for your next gathering.
Try Different Cheeses
Swap out the cheddar for other robust cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a sharp white cheddar.
Storing, Freezing, and Making Ahead
This Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is perfect for planning ahead. Here’s how to do it.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the sausage balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
How to Freeze Sausage Balls
These freeze beautifully either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time. To freeze cooked sausage balls, let them cool completely and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
What to Serve with Sausage Cheese Balls
Sausage balls are a fantastic standalone appetizer, but they also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with a honey mustard dip, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. They are also a wonderful addition to a larger spread, like a Christmas breakfast charcuterie board.
The key to moist sausage balls is to not overmix and, most importantly, not overbake. Bake them just until they are golden brown. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps keep them moist.
A classic pork breakfast sausage works best. You can choose mild, hot, or sage-flavored varieties depending on your taste preferences. I do not recommend using turkey sausage or pre-cooked sausage.
Yes! You can assemble the raw sausage balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months.
You can freeze them cooked or uncooked. For uncooked, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes. For cooked, cool them completely before freezing in a freezer-safe bag.
The Perfect Sausage Cheese Ball Recipe
FL Recipes
Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe (The BEST + Easiest!)
The BEST and easiest Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe! Made with just 3 simple ingredients, these sausage balls are perfectly moist, flavorful, and incredibly simple. The perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, or breakfast.
1lbground pork sausageat room temperature, do not use pre-cooked
3cupsbaking mixsuch as Bisquick
2cupsshredded sharp cheddar cheesefreshly grated from a block is highly recommended
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
1 Large Mixing Bowl
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the room temperature ground sausage, baking mix, and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a stand mixer to mix until thoroughly combined and no dry patches remain.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalProtein: 6gFat: 12g
Notes
Tip 1: For the best results, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make the sausage balls greasy. Tip 2: Don't overbake! This is the most common reason for dry sausage balls. Pull them out as soon as they are golden brown. Tip 3: For an extra rich flavor, add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
This Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your next get-together. It’s one of those essential recipes that belongs in every home cook’s collection. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Please leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
You won't believe how easy this Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
