If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s insanely easy to make, look no further than these classic sausage balls. With just three simple ingredients – savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and store-bought biscuit mix – you can whip up a batch of these addictively delicious bite-sized snacks in no time.
Sausage balls are the ultimate versatile party food. Serve them hot out of the oven for breakfast or brunch alongside eggs, grits and fresh fruit. Or set them out at your next game day bash, holiday gathering or potluck for the perfect poppable, protein-packed nibble that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
What Makes These Sausage Balls So Irresistible?
- Only 3 ingredients required for maximum flavor payoff
- Savory pork sausage packed with seasoning in every bite
- Gooey, melty sharp cheddar cheese for an ooey-gooey interior
- Crispy exterior with buttery, flaky biscuit mix coating
- Incredibly quick and easy to prep – just mix and bake!
- Endlessly customizable with spices, veggies, cheeses and more
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
- Portable, poppable and perfect for dipping in sauces or mustards
With their crispy exterior giving way to a molten, cheesy center, sausage balls are truly irresistible. They have the ideal ratio of savory, salty, cheesy and hearty flavors in each and every bite-sized morsel.
How to Make the Best Sausage Balls
These sausage balls come together in just 3 easy steps:
- Mix & Roll: Combine the sausage, biscuit mix and shredded cheddar until well incorporated. Then simply roll into 1-inch balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Pop the sausage balls in the oven and bake until golden brown on the outside and the sausage is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Enjoy! Let them cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard or marinara.
That’s it! You’ll have a platter of hot, fresh, cheesy sausage balls ready to devour in under 30 minutes.
Endless Variations
While the classic three-ingredient version is hard to beat, you can easily dress up sausage balls with fun mix-ins and flavors:
- Spicy: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños or use hot Italian sausage
- Cheesy: Mix in shredded pepper jack, parmesan or pimento cheese
- Savory: Stir in diced onions, garlic, green onions or herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Smoky: Use smoked sausage or add a dash of smoked paprika
They’re also an excellent way to use up leftover cheeses, meats and veggies from your fridge. Get creative and make them your own!
Make-Ahead Sausage Ball Prep
Sausage balls are a dream for make-ahead convenience. You can fully prepare them up to 1 month in advance and store them in the freezer until ready to bake.
To freeze unbaked sausage balls: Roll into balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. When ready to bake, arrange the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
To freeze baked sausage balls: Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or bag. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
No matter when or how you serve them, these cheesy, savory, crispy-on-the-outside, molten-on-the-inside sausage balls are guaranteed to become a new favorite appetizer. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to love! Whip up a batch for your next party and watch them disappear.
Classic Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage at room temperature
- 2 cups biscuit/baking mix like Bisquick
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sausage and biscuit mix until well combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on the outside and sausage is cooked through.
- Let cool 5 minutes, then serve warm with dipping sauces if desired.
