This flavorful sausage balls recipe makes a fantastic bite-sized snack or appetizer. Made with a simple biscuit mix, sharp cheddar, savory sausage, and Italian seasoning, these little bites are quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Easy appetizers that can double as a main are my favorite. These sausage balls take just a handful of ingredients—biscuit mix, sharp cheddar, ground pork sausage, Italian seasoning, and a splash of milk—and come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish. They work great for game day, casual parties, or a simple family dinner. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a warm loaf of bread, creamy mashed potatoes, and a vegetable side.
You’ll Love These Easy & Cheesy Sausage Balls
- So quick. Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests or weeknight snacks.
- Make-ahead friendly. These freeze well. Double the batch and freeze half for fast reheating later.
- Versatile. Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces or make them part of a casual main course.
Recipe Ingredients
These five main ingredients are easy to find and come together quickly. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Biscuit mix: A premade mix (such as Bisquick) keeps this recipe fast and simple.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts best and gives great flavor.
- Pork sausage: Ground pork sausage is traditional; substitute another sausage if desired.
- Italian seasoning: If you don’t have a blend, use equal parts dried basil and oregano.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk to bring the dough together.
Tips and Variation Ideas
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture—shred from a block for the best melt.
- Room temperature ingredients. Let the sausage and cheese warm slightly so they incorporate evenly and are easier to roll.
- Adjust consistency as needed. If the mixture is dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a little more biscuit mix.
- Uniform sizing. Use a small cookie scoop for even 1-inch balls so they bake uniformly.
- For a crispier exterior. Bake on a wire rack set over a sheet pan to allow excess fat to drain during baking.
Dipping Sauces — So Many Options
Sausage balls pair well with a wide range of sauces. Try any of these:
- Honey mustard — a sweet-spicy balance that complements the savory bites.
- Ranch — a classic creamy dip that many enjoy.
- Spicy mayonnaise — mix mayo with hot sauce or make a simple garlic aioli.
- Mayo-ketchup mix — equal parts ketchup and mayo make a quick, familiar dipping sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Store cooled sausage balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze shaped, uncooked balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (they will take longer) or thaw in the fridge before baking.
- To reheat: Arrange on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through for best texture.
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
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Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, ground pork sausage, and Italian seasoning. Add milk gradually, mixing until the mixture holds together without being overworked.
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Shape the sausage balls. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
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Bake. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should be slightly crisp while the center stays tender and cheesy.
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Cool and serve. Let the sausage balls rest a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
How to Make This Sausage Balls Recipe
- Preheat the oven. Heat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients. Combine biscuit mix, cheddar, ground sausage, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Add milk gradually until the mixture holds together.
- Shape the sausage balls. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared sheet.
- Bake. Bake for about 13–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
