• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes Worth Repeating
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
    • Media Kit
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Sausage Balls

    Published: Mar 23, 2021 · Modified: Aug 21, 2022 by Amanda Mason · 21 Comments

    Yield 24 people
    Cook 20 minutes minutes
    Prep 5 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    White bowl containing rolled balls of sausage and cheese, topped with fresh parsley.
    White bowl containing rolled balls of sausage and cheese, topped with fresh parsley.

    Bursting with flavor in every bite, these sausage balls are the perfect appetizer or snack. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, savory pork sausage, and bisquick, these are done in under 30 minutes. An easy appetizer finger food that will feed a crowd. These are the best sausage balls!

    White bowl containing rolled balls of sausage and cheese, topped with fresh parsley.
    Jump to:
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • Gluten Free Bisquick
    • 📋 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 📖 How to Keep Sausage Balls from Getting Dry
    • 💭 Expert Tips and FAQs
    • 🍽️ More Appetizer Recipes to Try
    • Sausage Balls

    I was born and raised in the south. There are many things I love about the south, like smoking meat, especially this smoked pork tenderloin, and southern casseroles, like this sausage breakfast casserole and these shrimp stuffed mushrooms. They are at the top of the list. But anyone who is from the south also knows that sausage cheese balls are a classic and a family favorite.

    Back home in Tennessee, whenever you attend a baby shower, party, church potluck, or a get-together, you'll almost always see Deviled Eggs, some type of cheese balls or spread, and these bisquick sausage balls.

    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

    1. These are simple to make, feed a ton of people, and are ridiculously delicious. Oh - and they are addicting! You can't just eat 1. I think it's impossible. I've never actually seen it happen before.

    2. These Bisquick sausage balls are made with only 4 ingredients.

    3. This recipe for sausage balls yields 24 balls and are the perfect appetizer for any party of holiday gathering.

    4. You can easily turn this easy sausage balls recipe into a gluten-free recipe by using gluten-free Bisquick.

    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    All you need to make this sausage ball recipe is a 1-pound package of ground sausage, some Bisquick, and sharp cheddar cheese. Being from Tennessee, I always made sausage balls with Tennessee Pride sausage. But here in Arizona, we don't have Tennessee Pride, so I use Jimmy Dean sausage.

    I never make sausage balls with flour. Instead, I use Bisquick. You can use regular Bisquick if you are making a traditional version. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free Bisquick.

    You'll also use 4 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. It's SUPER important to use sharp cheddar cheese. The tanginess in the sharp cheddar cheese brings forth a huge flavor difference from just using a medium or mild cheddar cheese. I also add ground black pepper to add a subtle amount of mild heat.

    A bowl of sharp cheddar cheese, pork sausage, Bisquick, and ground pepper on a counter.

    Gluten Free Bisquick

    I often get asked if this sausage balls recipe can be made gluten-free. The answer is YES! And let me tell you, these are great for a gluten-free appetizer. Did you know Bisquick makes a gluten-free baking mix? The gluten-free version primarily consists of rice flour, sugar, baking soda, potato starch, salt, and Xanthan Gum. You can typically buy it in your local grocery store, but it's readily available for purchase on Amazon.

    The consistency of gluten-free bisquick is a lot thinner than the original version. The taste is fantastic though. If you're not gluten-free, use the original version of Bisquick. Let me tell you, gluten-free sausage balls are just as delicious and addicting as sausage balls made with regular bisquick.

    Let's make these "bisquick sausage cheese balls", as my son likes to call them, and then I'll cover some tips and commonly asked questions.

    📋 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

    Let me show you how to make sausage balls. First, you'll preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, bisquick, and pepper.

    White bowl containing bisquick, ground sausage, shredded cheese, and pepper.

    Using a spoon, stir the ingredients together until well mixed. Now it's time to get a little messy. Take your hands and mix the ingredients with your fingers. My kids love to help with this part so put them to work! When you're done, the mixture will be pretty crumbly. This is to be expected.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    White bowl containing sausage and cheese mixture.

    Next, form the mixture into 1-inch balls, squeezing so they hold together, then rolling it between the palms of your hands to finalize forming the balls.

    Person rolling mixture into balls in palms of hands.

    Place the balls on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Expert Tip: Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will ensure the balls don't stick.

    Person placing meat balls on cookie sheet.

    Place the tray into the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove the sheet from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

    Black slate plate with 8 sausage balls topped with fresh parsley.

    📖 How to Keep Sausage Balls from Getting Dry

    If you're making a gluten-free version, they will be a little drier because of the rice flour. But if you're using regular Bisquick and they still come out dry, try reducing some of the bisquick in the next batch you make. Also, they can dry out because the ingredients were not well mixed. It's super important to ensure you mix the ingredients well. Get those hands in there deep and put those fingers to work!

    Close up of a cooked sausage ball on a black serving plate.

    💭 Expert Tips and FAQs

    • Can these be made ahead of time? - Absolutely! But they are best right out of the oven. If you want to get ahead of the game, here's what you need to do:
      • Prepare the ingredients in a bowl and roll into balls.
      • Place the balls on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
      • Cook within 1 day of rolling the balls.
    • If you want to make these ahead of time and freeze them, just place the uncooked balls in a gallon-size Ziplock bag and put them in the freezer. When you are ready to cook them, pull the baggie out of the freezer and place each ball on a lined cookie sheet. Let them thaw for 20 minutes and then cook according to the directions below.
    • If you want more of a creamy texture, add in a block of cream cheese. Cream cheese sausage balls are also extremely delicious!
    • It's SUPER important to use sharp cheddar cheese. The tanginess in the sharp cheddar cheese brings forth a huge flavor difference from just using a medium or mild cheddar cheese.
    • If you're in a hurry, you can buy a bag of pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but I like to buy a block and grate it myself. There is a big taste difference when you grate your own cheese.
    • If you want to spice it up a bit, use hot pork sausage.
    • How long will these keep in the refrigerator? - Key word here…refrigerator. Please don't store these on the counter. If you have any leftovers, you need to keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for 3-4 days.
    • You can reheat them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds, but if you have the time then reheat them in the oven. To reheat, set the oven to 350 and bake for 10-12 minutes. Reheating them in the oven helps bring back some of the crispy texture as where the microwave leaves more of a soggy texture.
    White bowl containing cooked sausage balls, parsley and cheese on counter.

    🍽️ More Appetizer Recipes to Try

    If you're looking for more good appetizers, make sure to check out these Garlic Mayo Chicken Baguettes with Gruyère. They are bursting with flavor and make for the perfect appetizer or snack! These Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, and seasoned croutons, they make the perfect appetizer! you can also make these ahead of time!

    Another favorite of mine is Marinated Cheese. Marinated is the most decadent ingredient, this cheese soaks in the flavor the longer it marinates! And if you love a good meatball recipe, make sure you check out my Southwest Meatballs and these Asian Teriyaki Meatballs!

    hite bowl containing cooked sausage balls, parsley and cheese on counter.

    Sausage Balls

    Perfect flavor in every bite, this bisquick sausage ball recipe is the perfect appetizer or snack. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, savory pork sausage, and bisquick, these are done in under 30 minutes. An deliciously easy appetizer finger foods that will feed a crowd! 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 people
    Calories: 198kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb pork ground sausage
    • 3 cups Bisquick
    • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375°F.
    • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will ensure the sausage balls don't stick.
    • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well with a spoon and then take your hands and mix well with your fingers. The mixture will be very crumbly.
    • Form the mixture into 1 inch balls, squeezing the mixture so it holds together, then rolling it between palms of your hands to form balls.
    • Place the balls on the cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
      Allow them to cool for 5 minutes and and then serve.

    Notes

    • Can these be made ahead of time? - Absolutely! But they are best right out of the oven. If you want to get ahead of the game, here's what you need to do:
      • Prepare the ingredients in a bowl and roll into balls.
      • Place the balls on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
      • Cook within 1 day of rolling the balls.
    • If you want to make these ahead of time and freeze them, just place the uncooked balls in a gallon size Ziplock bag and put them in the freezer. When you are ready to cook them, pull the baggie out of the freezer and place each ball on a lined cookie sheet. Let them thaw for 20 minutes and then cook according to the directions below.
    • If you want more of a creamy texture, add in a block of cream cheese. Cream cheese sausage balls are also extremely delicious!
    • It's SUPER important to use sharp cheddar cheese. The tanginess in the sharp cheddar cheese brings forth a huge flavor difference from just using a medium or mild cheddar cheese.
    • If you're in a hurry, you can buy a bag of pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but I like to buy a block and grate it myself. There is a big taste difference when you grate your own cheese.
    • If you want to spice it up a bit, use a hot pork sausage.
    • How long will these keep in refrigerator? - Key word here…refrigerator. Please don't store these on the counter. If you have any leftovers, you need to keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for 3-4 days.
    • You can reheat them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds, but if you have the time then reheat them in the oven. To reheat, set the oven to 350 and bake for 10-12 minutes. Reheating them in the oven helps bring back some of the crispy texture as where the microwave leaves more of a soggy texture.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in August 2013, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips in March 2021.

    « Kale and Leek Soup
    Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Short Ribs »
    363 shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 11 votes

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Nancy

      November 18, 2020 at 2:54 am

      I love these sausage balls! I make them all the time.so yummy..

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        November 18, 2020 at 8:07 am

        Yeah! I'm so glad you love them so much!!! It's such a good, classic recipe!

        Reply
    2. Danielle

      September 15, 2019 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      One of the most detailed sausage ball recipes that I've seen! And I also love making them with cheddar cheese, it adds so much to the recipe! Excited to try an under-30 min version now 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 17, 2019 at 9:06 am

        You'll have to let me know how it turns out!! You'll love this recipe!

        Reply
    3. Sharon

      September 14, 2019 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      These look so easy to whip up and have on hand during football game weekends or holidays.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes ❤️

    • Applewood Smoked Chicken on a wooden cutting board, fork in chicken.
      Applewood Smoked Chicken
    • Mexican Corn Recipe
    • Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • Wooden spoon filled with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
      Easy Penne Pasta Bake

    🇺🇸 4th of July Recipes

    • A plate of Corn on the cob and Cotija cheese on a white plate.
      Mexican Grilled Corn (Elote Recipe)
    • Smoked chicken quarters on a slate plate topped with BBQ sauce.
      Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Smoked Beef Short Ribs
    • Closeup of smoked chicken thighs on a black cutting board
      Smoked Chicken Thighs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

     As Seen In

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Media Kit
    • Work with Me

    COPYRIGHT © 2012-2025 AMANDA MASON/RECIPES WORTH REPEATING

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.