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Easy Sausage Balls with Cheese Made from Scratch

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Stacked sausage in blue bowl with orange juice in background.

For me, sausage balls bring back memories of Christmas mornings when my dad would whip up a batch while the smell of my mom’s homemade hot chocolate filled the house. In fact, for almost any holiday or special occasion you’ll find these delicious and filling sausage balls in our kitchen.

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These bites are a family favorite and a perfect option for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, brunch or a quick bite in between meals. In this recipe, we’re moving away from the classic Bisquick method to show you how to make a savory treat completely from scratch.

Ingredients in glass bowls.

Ingredients for Homemade Sausage Balls

To make these sausage bites, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey sausage, chicken, or spicy sausage for extra spice)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Eggs, whisked
Dry ingredients being whisked together in glass bowls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper). These spices give the sausage balls an extra layer of flavor that sets them apart from the standard baking mix.
  2. Add Eggs: Add whisked eggs into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures the best sausage balls are tender and not too dens
  3. Combine Sausage and Cheese: In another large bowl, mix the ground sausage and pre-shredded cheese. It’s easiest to use your hands for this step to ensure the sausage and cheese are evenly combined.
  4. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage and cheese, kneading everything together until well combined. If the sausage mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to help bring the dough together.
  5. Form the Balls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick spray. Roll the sausage mixture into 1-inch balls or scoop using a cookie dough scoop and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake: Bake the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. The bake time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Sausage and cheese being stirred together in glass bowls.

Why Sausage Balls Are So Versatile

One of the most important things about sausage balls is their versatility. You can easily customize this easy appetizer recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Up close image of sausage balls.
  • Change the Protein: Swap out the pork sausage for turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For those who love a kick, spicy sausage works wonderfully.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can use Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even your favorite cheese for a unique flavor profile.
  • Add Some Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a burst of freshness to the mix.
  • Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Up close image of inside of sausage ball on fork.

Helpful Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Balls

  1. Don’t Over Mix: This can make the sausage balls dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  2. Uniform Size: Roll the sausage balls to a consistent size to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help with this.
  3. Pre-Cook Sausage for Extra Flavor: If you’re using turkey or chicken sausage, consider pre-cooking it slightly before mixing it into the dough. This helps enhance the flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
  4. Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the sausage balls from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
  5. Serve Warm: Sausage balls are best enjoyed warm. If you’re serving them at a party, keep them in a slow cooker on the warm setting to maintain their temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair well with a variety of dips or your favorite dipping sauces, including:

  • Honey mustard for a tangy touch
  • Ranch dressing for a classic pairing
  • Spicy aioli for those who like a kick
  • Cream cheese dip for a rich and creamy contrast

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover uncooked sausage balls or baked sausage balls (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze unbaked sausage balls for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Sausage balls on white and blue plate.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making these sausage balls for a festive holiday breakfast, a quick snack, finger food for a party, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This easy recipe focuses on using simple ingredients and avoids the need for a box of Bisquick or traditional baking mix, ensuring fresh and flavorful results every time.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade sausage balls that will quickly become a holiday staple—just like they are in mine!

If you’re looking for another great brunch option, check out our Cheesy Spinach Quiche

Stacked sausage in blue bowl with orange juice in background.

Easy Sausage Balls with Cheese Made from Scratch

This easy recipe focuses on using simple ingredients and avoids the need for a box of Bisquick or traditional baking mix, ensuring fresh and flavorful results every time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 35

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground sausage pork, turkey sausage, chicken, or spicy sausage for extra spice
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Eggs whisked

Instructions
 

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
  • Add Eggs: Add whisked eggs into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures the best sausage balls are tender and not too dens
  • Combine Sausage and Cheese: In another large bowl, mix 1 pound sausage (pork, turkey, or spicy) and 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Form Dough: Gradually add the dry mix to the sausage and cheese, kneading until combined. Add a tablespoon of milk if needed.
  • Shape Balls: Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined or nonstick-sprayed sheet pan.
  • Bake: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly and serve.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
  • Tips: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Pre-cook turkey sausage for extra flavor.
Keyword breakfast, brunch, cheddar cheese, easy meal, easy meal prep, easy recipe, from scratch, quick snack, sausage, sausage balls, Simple ingredients

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