Sausage Cheese Balls

Sausage Cheese Balls Classic Recipe with Bisquick

Sausage cheese balls are a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, a holiday staple, or just need an easy appetizer for your next party, these little bites are the perfect appetizer. Made with simple ingredients like biscuit mix, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy sausage, they are easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Plus, with the right techniques and tips, you can make the best sausage cheese balls every time!

What Are Sausage Cheese Balls?

Sausage cheese balls are bite-sized, baked balls made from a mixture of ground sausage, biscuit mix, and shredded cheese. They are a flavorful appetizer that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. These cheesy sausage balls are a staple at baby showers, Super Bowl parties, and Christmas Eve gatherings.

Ingredients for Sausage Cheese Balls

To make the best sausage cheese balls, you’ll need the following simple ingredients. For a shortcut version with just 3 ingredients see our recipe card below.

• 1 pound spicy sausage (or mild sausage, depending on your preference)
• 2 cups biscuit mix (such as Bisquick mix)
• 1 1/2 cups pre-shredded cheese (sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or parmesan cheese)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creamy texture)
• 1/4 cup cup of milk (to help bind the mixture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

The first thing you want to do is allow the spicy sausage to come to room temperature. This makes it easier to mix with the biscuit mix and cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked sausage balls with biscuit mix, pre-shredded cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can help mix the sausage mixture evenly. If mixing by hand, make sure everything is well incorporated.

3. Form the Sausage Cheese Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet or a cookie sheet. If you’re making a big batch, prepare a second sheet pan.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the baked balls are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check this using a food thermometer.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Let the sausage cheese balls cool for a few minutes on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, bbq sauce, or honey mustard.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method

For a crispier texture, try making your sausage cheese balls in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the sausage cheese balls in batches for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Toaster Oven Method

If you don’t want to use a full-sized oven, a toaster oven can also work. Simply place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Sausage cheese balls store well and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover sausage balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Freezing for Later

• To freeze uncooked sausage cheese balls, place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, place frozen sausage balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F.

Variations and Customizations

There are many ways to customize your sausage cheese balls to suit your taste preferences.

• Turkey Sausage: Use turkey sausage for a lower-fat version. Try our sausage pinwheels.
• Different Cheese Combinations: Try a mix of sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and parmesan cheese.
• Extra Spicy: Use hot pork sausage and add more cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Creamier Texture: Add more cream cheese for softer, creamier sausage cheese balls.
• Sausage Cheese Puffs: Add more biscuit mix and a little more milk to create a fluffier texture, similar to sausage cheese puffs.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These sausage cheese balls are an easy appetizer that pairs well with various dips and sides:

• Football Tailgate Party; Super Bowl Party
• Dipping Sauces: Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or even a spicy aioli.
• Side Dishes: Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a breakfast option or with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Holiday and Party Platters: Arrange them on a platter with crackers, cheese cubes, and fresh fruit for a perfect party food option.

Nutritional Information

While these cheesy sausage balls are a delicious treat, it’s good to be mindful of the calorie diet and fat content, especially if you’re watching your daily values. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

• Calories: ~150 per 2-3 balls
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbs: ~6g

Final Thoughts

Sausage cheese balls are a timeless, easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a Super Bowl party, Christmas Eve gathering, or a baby shower, they are sure to be a hit. The best part is that they can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bags for convenience. So, the next time you need a flavorful appetizer that the whole family will love, give this sausage ball recipe a try!

Print Recipe

Sausage Cheese Balls

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Loading...

Serves: Makes about 40

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups Bisquick
• 2 cups finely shredded cheese (I like Sharp Cheddar)
• 1 lb. sausage (room temperature)

Instructions

1

Mix ingredients together thoroughly (using your hands) in a large bowl until it resembles a large piece of cookie dough.

2

Divide dough into 3 sections to make it easier to work with.

3

Pinch off dough and roll in the palm of your hands into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4

Bake in 400° oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They will be golden brown.

5

Test for doneness by cutting one in half with a knife to be sure inside is cooked.

6

Remove cooked sausage balls from pan and place on a wire rack to cool.

7

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer to be served later.

Notes

You can use mild or spicy sausage and mild or sharp cheddar cheese. It is important to let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing or it will be too hard and dry to work with. Cooked sausage balls can be placed in a Ziploc bag and refrigerated for a week or frozen for several months. To reheat wrap a few sausage cheese balls loosely in a paper towel and heat for about 30 seconds if refrigerated or about one minute if frozen - adjusting time for your microwave's power level.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.