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 about these tender, cheesy bites that just feels like a cozy hug on a plate. This Sausage Balls Recipe is not only quick and simple but always a crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it to gatherings. They come out perfectly golden, packed with savory flavor, and are ridiculously addictive!

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

I honestly keep this sausage balls recipe in my back pocket for just about any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that feels like an appetizer but easily doubles as a snack or party favorite. Plus, it’s so straightforward that even beginners shine when making it.

Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and a block of cream cheese to pull this together.
Easy to make ahead: Perfect for prepping before busy days or big events.
Versatile flavor profile: Mild or spicy sausage — you choose! Add mix-ins to match your taste.
Can't stop eating: These little balls have the perfect chew with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.

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

Every ingredient in this Sausage Balls Recipe plays a key role in the final texture and flavor. Picking quality sausage and sharp cheddar really elevates these snacks, and the baking mix holds everything together without fuss.

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: This is the flavor powerhouse—choose mild or hot depending on your spice tolerance. I like spicy for an extra kick!
Shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that classic savory taste.
All-purpose baking mix: Using something like Bisquick keeps it light and bind the ingredients without weighing it down with flour alone.
Cream cheese block: This adds moisture and richness, making the sausage balls so tender and luscious 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

Once you get the basic sausage balls recipe down, it’s fun to tweak things based on what you have or your cravings. I personally like adding a bit of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra warmth. Feel free to play with your favorite cheeses or even swap out pork sausage for turkey or chicken.

Variation: I switched to using spicy Italian sausage once and we loved the bold, zesty change—it gave the balls a real punch of flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Try a vegan cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese if you want to make these allergy-friendly.
Add-ins: Chopped jalapeños or a handful of dried herbs like thyme can add a fresh surprise in every bite.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining two sheet pans with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Then, in a large bowl, I use my mixer to blend the cream cheese and ground sausage until it’s smooth and well combined. This step is key to getting that moist, tender texture inside. If you don’t have a mixer, just mix thoroughly by hand — it’ll take a bit more elbow grease but totally doable!

Step 2: Add the Baking Mix and Cheese

Next, sprinkle in your baking mix and mix again until everything starts to come together. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing just enough to blend without overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the balls tough, so stopping as soon as it’s blended is perfect.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

I like using a #50 cookie scoop to keep my sausage balls uniform—each about 1 tablespoon and 1 inch in size. Roll them gently in your hands to compact slightly. Spread them evenly on your prepared sheets, then pop them into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re lightly browned and cooked through. Look for an internal temp of 165°F to be sure they’re safe and juicy.

Top Tip

From my experience, getting the texture just right is all about how you mix and shape the sausage balls. I've learned a few little tricks that make a big difference every time I bake these.

Don’t overmix: When mixing in the baking mix and cheese, fold in gently to keep the texture light and tender.
Keep them uniform: Using a scoop helps all the sausage balls bake evenly so you don’t end up with some overcooked and some underdone.
Watch your oven time: I check mine starting at 12 minutes—too long and they dry out. Perfect color is a light golden brown.
Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer at the thickest ball. 165°F is the sweet spot for juicy perfection.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple – just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and mild freshness. Sometimes a tiny dollop of spicy mustard or honey mustard on the side makes for a fun dipping option that guests love.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls go perfectly alongside crunchy veggies and ranch dip or a crisp side salad to balance out the richness. I’ve also served them with a vibrant fruit tray for brunch gatherings—sweet and savory is always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve them in mini muffin tins lined with colorful cupcake liners—they look festive and make grabbing quick and neat. Another fun idea is threading a few on cocktail skewers with small pickles or olives for an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before covering to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

These sausage balls freeze wonderfully. I lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. That way they don’t clump together, and you can bake just what you need later on.

Reheating

To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that nice golden exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Yes! Turkey sausage works well but tends to be leaner so adding a little extra cream cheese can help keep the sausage balls moist and tender. Cooking times remain the same.

How do I make the sausage balls spicier?

You can switch to spicy sausage or add seasonings like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for extra heat. A finely chopped jalapeño mixed into the dough is also a tasty option.

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, freezing is recommended. Make sure to cool completely before storing to keep freshness.

Can I make sausage balls ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate or freeze them, baking fresh when you’re ready. This makes hosting super easy and stress-free. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Final Thoughts

This sausage balls recipe holds a special place on my appetizer rotation because it’s reliable, comforting, and always disappears fast. Whether you’re making them for a game day, holiday party, or just because, I think you’ll love how effortless yet delicious they turn out. Go ahead, give them a whirl — you might just find your new favorite snack!