Name: Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or hot); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces); 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick); 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

There’s something truly comforting about these cheesy, savory bites – and that’s exactly what makes this Sausage Balls Recipe so worth making. Whether for a cozy brunch, a game day snack, or an irresistible party appetizer, they hit all the right notes with minimal fuss.

A bowl filled with many round, bumpy cheese and meat balls that are golden brown with orange melted cheese spots throughout. The balls have a rough texture and are resting on parchment paper inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. To the side, some shredded yellow cheese pieces lie on the white marbled background. The warm colors of the balls contrast with the light neutral tones of the bowl and surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, sausage balls are one of those simple yet unforgettable snacks that always bring people together. This recipe is my go-to because it’s fast, uses ingredients you probably already have, and delivers a flavor punch every single time.

Effortless to make: Just mix, roll, and bake—no fancy techniques required.
Mouthwatering flavor: The creamy cheese and seasoned sausage blend perfectly for a savory bite that’s hard to resist.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekday snack or a party platter star, they always impress.
Customizable and forgiving: You can tweak the spice level or types of cheese easily without losing the magic.

A round metal tray lined with brown paper filled with about two layers of golden-brown baked cheese and meat balls, each ball showing melted orange cheese pockets on the surface, placed on a rustic wooden table with colorful toothpicks scattered to the side, and shredded orange cheese blurred in the background, all on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this sausage balls recipe plays a special role, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, these components are super easy to find, making this recipe a snap to pull together.

Flat lay of fresh ground pork sausage in a neat mound, a block of creamy white cream cheese with smooth texture, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, scattered golden baking mix powder, and a few sausage balls browned to perfection, all beautifully arranged with a few sprigs of fresh green herbs for color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground pork sausage: Provides the savory base—pick mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that sharp cheesy goodness that melts beautifully inside.
All-purpose baking mix: Works as the binding agent, giving the balls structure and a tender crumb.
Cream cheese: Brings richness and moisture, ensuring your sausage balls stay soft and luscious.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this sausage balls recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I usually stick close to the original, but I’ve played around with certain swaps that add a fresh twist or accommodate dietary needs.

Variation: Once, I swapped half the cheddar for pepper jack—talk about a spicy upgrade that everyone loved at the party!
Herb boost: Adding a touch of chopped fresh parsley or chives brightens the flavor without overpowering.
Diet-friendly: For a gluten-free option, I substitute the baking mix with a gluten-free blend, and it works like a charm.
Size matters: Rolling the balls a little smaller creates perfect bite-sized snacks for kids or appetizers.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and tools

First things first, get your oven preheated to 400°F. I always line two sheet pans with parchment paper to avoid any sticky mess and make cleanup a breeze. If you’re using foil, a quick spritz of nonstick spray helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the magic ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in the cream cheese and ground sausage. I like using my mixer here for even blending—it saves me a lot of time and energy. Once combined, add in your baking mix, mixing again to bring everything together. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar until it’s just incorporated; you want those cheesy pockets to shine through.

Step 3: Shape and lay out

I use a #50 scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to portion out the dough—it helps keep the balls uniform in size. Roll each scoop into a 1-inch ball with your hands and space them evenly across the prepared pans. Don’t worry if you get a few irregular ones—the taste won’t mind.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Bake the sausage balls for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re lightly browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Keep an eye near the end so they don’t overbrown—once they’re puffed up and golden, you’re good to go!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this sausage balls recipe foolproof and maximize flavor every time. These tips will save you from common pitfalls and make things smoother in your own kitchen.

Room temperature cream cheese: Letting it soften slightly ensures it mixes evenly with the sausage, preventing pockets of cream cheese in your balls.
Don’t overmix: I’ve learned that mixing just until combined keeps the sausage balls tender—not dense.
Uniform size matters: Using a scoop helps the balls bake evenly so you don’t end up with some burnt while others are underdone.
Check internal temp: I always use a meat thermometer to be sure they’re fully cooked but still juicy—165°F is the sweet spot.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—sometimes a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds a pop of color and a subtle flavor boost. When I’m feeling fancy, a smear of honey mustard on the side pairs beautifully with the savory bites.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls go great alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables if you want a fuller meal. For parties, I often serve them with dips like ranch, spicy ketchup, or a tangy barbecue sauce—that combo never fails.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these balls on a festive platter around a bowl of dip, sprinkled with edible flowers or herbs for a beautiful contrast. Another fun idea is skewering a few on cocktail sticks for bite-sized kabobs that double as finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep really well for up to 3 days, and I love that they still taste fresh and moist even after cooling.

Freezing

Freezing sausage balls works like a dream. I freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way they don’t stick together, and you can pop out exactly how many you want later.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the outside crisp while warming the inside evenly. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so I usually avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! I’ve made this sausage balls recipe with turkey sausage. Just note that turkey tends to be leaner and less fatty than pork, so you might want to add a little extra cream cheese to keep the balls moist.

What’s the best way to make sure sausage balls don’t stick to the baking sheet?

I always line my baking sheets with parchment paper or use foil with a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. This method prevents sticking and also makes cleanup a breeze.

Can I prepare sausage balls ahead and freeze before baking?

Yes! You can shape the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time.

How spicy are sausage balls and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level really depends on the sausage you choose. Mild sausage will keep things more subtle, while hot sausage adds a nice kick. You can always mix the two or add a pinch of cayenne if you want to control the spice just right.

Final Thoughts

This sausage balls recipe has been a staple for me through countless gatherings, lazy weekends, and last-minute snack emergencies. It’s reliable, delicious, and flexible enough to fit your mood or pantry. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you’ll feel that happy satisfaction of having created something everyone can’t stop enjoying.