This flavorful sausage balls recipe makes an ideal bite-sized snack or appetizer. Made with a premade biscuit mix, sharp cheddar, and seasoned pork sausage, these little bites come together quickly and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.
Simple appetizers that can stretch into a casual dinner are my favorite. These sausage balls require just a few pantry staples—biscuit mix, shredded sharp cheddar, ground pork sausage, Italian seasoning, and a splash of milk. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family meal. If you want to bulk up the meal, serve them alongside a crusty loaf of bread and mashed potatoes for a satisfying comfort-food plate.
You’ll Love These Easy & Cheesy Sausage Balls
- Fast prep. Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Make-ahead friendly. They freeze well—double the batch and freeze half for later.
- Versatile. Serve as an appetizer with dips or make them part of a larger meal.
Recipe Ingredients
These five-ingredient sausage balls take only minutes to mix. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Biscuit mix — a premade mix like Bisquick works well.
- Shredded cheddar — sharp cheddar gives the best flavor; shredding from a block improves texture.
- Ground pork sausage — substitute another sausage if desired.
- Italian seasoning — or a mix of dried basil and oregano.
- Milk — whole or 2% to help bind the mixture.
Tips and Variation Ideas
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese includes anti-caking agents that can change the texture; freshly shredded cheddar melts and blends better.
- Room temperature ingredients. Let sausage and cheese come closer to room temperature for easier mixing and shaping.
- Tweak consistency. Add milk a tablespoon at a time if the mix is too dry; add biscuit mix if it becomes sticky.
- Even sizing. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion uniform balls so they bake evenly.
- Crispier exterior. For a crunchier outside, place the balls on a wire rack over a baking sheet so excess fat can drain while baking.
Dipping Sauces — So Many Options
These sausage balls pair well with nearly any dip. Here are a few favorites:
- Honey mustard — sweet and tangy, a classic match.
- Ranch — a cool, creamy option that’s always popular.
- Spicy mayo — mix mayo with hot sauce or make a quick garlic aioli.
- Mayo-ketchup mix — equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise for an easy, familiar dip.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding extra time, or thaw in the fridge before baking.
- To reheat: Warm on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until heated through.
More Pork Dinner Ideas
- Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables
- Pork Katsu
- Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
- Pesto Stuffed Pork Chops
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups biscuit mix, such as Bisquick
- 1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup milk, or as much as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, ground sausage, and Italian seasoning. Add milk gradually until the mixture holds together. Mix just until combined; avoid overworking.
- Shape the sausage balls. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake. Bake 13–15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The exterior should be crisp and the center tender and cheesy.
- Cool and serve. Let the sausage balls rest a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dip.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 6g
| Protein: 7g
| Fat: 11g
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for reference. Values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
How to Make This Sausage Balls Recipe
- Preheat the oven. Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the ingredients. Combine biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, ground sausage, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Add milk a little at a time until the mixture holds together.
- Shape the sausage balls. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared sheet.
- Bake. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
