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Delicious and easy sausage balls made with just 3 simple ingredients. This tasty appetizer makes the perfect game day or party dish! 

Sausage balls in a white bowl with vegetables.
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Sausage Cheese Balls

Any appetizer made with only 3 ingredients is a friend of mine. I’m all about making easy recipes that taste delicious, which is exactly why I love these sausage and cheese balls. More 3-ingredient favorites are BBQ meatballs and Hawaiian meatballs.

I learned how to make these sausage balls in a home economics class in Jr. High. I honestly haven’t made them since then and forgot how delicious they were. They make a great addition to any game day spread or make the perfect appetizer for any party!

The best part about this easy sausage ball recipe is that it takes only 3 simple ingredients to make. Just mix everything together, roll into balls and bake. It’s as simple as that. You can even make them ahead of time for even more convenience. Seriously so easy and super yummy!

3 Simple Ingredients!

Sausage ball ingredients on the counter.
  • Pork sausage: Make sure to get ground pork sausage. My favorite brand is Jimmy Dean.
  • Biscuit mix: I used Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, but Bisquick or the batter from my cheddar bay biscuits would work great, too.
  • Cheddar cheese: You can use any kind of cheese, however my preference is shredded cheddar.

How to Make Sausage Balls

Making sausage balls.
  • Let the meat soften. Leave the sausage out on the counter for about 10 minutes before getting started.
  • Combine mixture. Add the sausage and biscuit mix into a large bowl or zip top bag. Sprinkle in some pepper and mix well. Then stir in cheese and some fresh parsley (if desired). Mix again until combined. You can add a few Tablespoons of milk if the mixture is dry.
  • Form into balls. Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 Tablespoons in size. I like to use a medium cookie scoop to make it easier. Then add to a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake in oven. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Make sure to flip halfway through.
  • Serve and enjoy! Serve on a platter with dip of choice, like ranch, bleu cheese or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Tip: Make sure to really work the biscuit mix into the meat before adding the cheese. I don’t love raw meat, so I’ll wear gloves or place it on a zip top bag to get it well combined. You could also put it all in a stand mixer or food processor and do it that way too.

Sausage balls in a white bowl with vegetables.

Variations

  • Use Spicy or Italian sausage for a kick of flavor
  • Use your favorite kind of cheese (if you shred your own cheese it will melt better, but I usually just use what I have)
  • Add 4 ounces cream cheese if desired
  • Add fresh herbs such as chopped parsley
  • Dip in BBQ, ranch, buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor

Make-Ahead + Freezing

To make in advance: Roll the mixture into balls, then place on a baking sheet. Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

To freeze before baking: Form into balls, then place on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden. Add to a freezer container and freeze. When baking, add 10 more minutes to the cooking time and let sit on the baking sheet while the oven warms up.

To freeze after baking: You can easily cook the sausage balls, then freeze them. Let cool completely, then place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. Add the sausage balls to a freezer container and store in freezer.

Sausage cheese balls dipped in ranch.

Want more party favorites? Check out my slow cooker sausage cream cheese dip or these easy pigs in a blanket with cheese.

More Easy Appetizers

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sausage balls in a white bowl with vegetables

Sausage Ball Recipe

5 from 15 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Delicious and easy sausage balls made with just 3 simple ingredients. This tasty appetizer makes the perfect game day or party dish! 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Let sausage soften: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 36

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage , I prefer Jimmy Dean
  • 1 ¼ cups biscuit mix , dry
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2-3 Tablespoons freshly chopped parsley , optional

For serving: Ranch, bleu cheese dressing or BBQ sauce

    Instructions

    • Leave the sausage out for about 10 minutes to soften. You won't be pre-cooking the sausage.
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. These tend to stick to the pan if not.
    • In a large bowl or zip top bag, add the meat and biscuit mix. Add a dash of pepper. Mix very well. Then add in the cheese and parsley if desired. Mix until combined. You may need to mix with your hands. Add a Tablespoon or two of milk if your mix seems dry.
    • Form into balls. I like to use a medium size cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 Tablespoons).
    • Bake for 20 minutes (flipping half way through), or until cooked through.
    • Serve on a platter with ranch, bleu cheese dressing or BBQ sauce. I like to add toothpicks for easy serving.

    Notes

    Make ahead: You can roll the balls the night before and place on the baking sheet. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. 
    Freezer instructions: To freeze the pre-cooked balls, place on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then stack in a freezer container. When baking, let sit on the pan while the oven warms up and then add about 10 minutes to the bake time. 
    You can also freeze the leftover cooked sausage balls. Simply allow to cool and then place on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then stack in a freezer container.
    No biscuit mix? No problem. Just mix together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ball | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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