Delicious and easy sausage balls made with just 3 simple ingredients. This tasty appetizer makes the perfect game day or party dish!
Table of Contents
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!
- 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 works great too.
- Cheddar cheese: You can use any kind of cheese, however my preference is shredded cheddar.
How to Make 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.
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.
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 Ball Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
2nd time making using the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. These are awesome. I add little sprinkling of red pepper flakes to the mix to bump it up.
Yes!! Delicious. I did use the garlic packet and we dipped them in Chick-Fil-A sauce. So so good!!!!
Yum! I bet they taste delicious in chic fil a sauce!
These look good! With the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, did you add the small packet of the garlic herb blend to the biscuit mix or left it out?
We just use the biscuit mix :)
Can you fry these in hot oil?
Yes you can fry them in hot oil on a skillet (turn frequently until cooked).
Love this easy recipe!
So happy you enjoyed it :)
Delicious! I cooked my sausage balls about 25-27 mins to get them to the crispy stage.
I didn’t have bisquick mix or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix- so I looked up a recipe for homemade Bisquick mix on Allrecipes that worked out great for this! Added fresh chopped parsley and some fresh thyme as well. It’s a keeper!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Wow this turned out FABULOUS!!!! Thank you!
I was a skeptic at first but these turned out great!
The easiest & yummiest bite-sized snack! Love the Red Lobster mix..we use it all the time!
These look so good! I can’t wait to try them!