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 so comforting about warm, cheesy bites loaded with sausage flavor. That's exactly why this Sausage Balls Recipe never disappoints—it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect anytime you want to impress without a 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

I’ve made these sausage balls every holiday season and for casual get-togethers because they’re just that good—and surprisingly easy. The balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory sausage flavor keeps everyone coming back for more.

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in less than 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute parties or snacks.
Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of cheddar and cream cheese adds a creamy texture that just melts in your mouth.
Perfectly Portable: Bite-sized and easy to serve, they’re ideal for potlucks, picnics, and game days.
Customizable: You can easily tweak heat levels or cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.

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

This Sausage Balls Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a simple but essential role. From the ground sausage that delivers the punch of flavor, to the cream cheese that softens and binds, it’s all about harmony.

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: I usually go for mild unless I want a little kick. It provides the salty, peppery backbone of flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings richness and that classic cheese savoriness. Freshly shredded melts best here.
All-purpose baking mix: Something like Bisquick helps the balls hold their shape without requiring any yeast or rising time.
Cream cheese block: The secret to making the texture soft, slightly creamy, and easy to roll into perfect balls.

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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 the joys of this sausage balls recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I’ve played around with different cheeses and spice blends, and it’s always fun to make it your own little signature bite.

Variation: I sometimes swap out cheddar for pepper jack to add a subtle spicy twist; it’s a game-changer when you want a little heat without overwhelming the flavor.
Diet-Friendly: For a gluten-free version, substitute the baking mix with a gluten-free biscuit mix—just make sure it’s savory and not sweet.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped chives or parsley can lift the flavor and make these a bit fresher if you want to brighten things up.

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

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Workspace

I always set my oven to 400°F first and line my baking sheets with parchment paper—this step saves so much cleanup time later. If I’m using foil, I lightly spray it to keep the sausage balls from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese Together

In a large bowl, I like to use my hand mixer for a quick, even blend of the ground sausage and cream cheese. It’s important they combine smoothly because that creamy texture helps the mixture hold together when you roll the balls.

Step 3: Add Baking Mix & Cheese

Add the baking mix after mixing the sausage and cream cheese, then fold in the shredded cheddar. I mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the sausage balls tough.

Step 4: Roll into Perfect Balls

I use a #50 cookie scoop to portion out about a tablespoon of dough, then roll each scoop gently between my hands into 1-inch balls. Keeping them uniform helps them bake evenly, so I don’t get some overcooked and some underdone.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Spread the sausage balls evenly on the pans and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be just lightly browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always check with a meat thermometer because no one wants undercooked sausage!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate these sausage balls and keep the whole process stress-free. These tips came from trying, testing, and sometimes fixing small mishaps (like crumbly dough or sticking balls).

Keep it Cold: If you find your mixture getting too sticky or soft while rolling, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes—it firms up and makes shaping much easier.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps your sausage balls tender, not dense or dry.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to make sure they’re safe to eat without overbaking and drying out the cheesy goodness.
Leftover Trick: Warm up the leftover sausage balls in a toaster oven to keep the outside crispy and the inside soft.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness. They don’t need much because these sausage balls speak for themselves, but a dab of spicy mustard or a creamy dip on the side always hits the spot.

Side Dishes

Pairing with a crisp salad or roasted veggies rounds out the plate nicely if you’re serving them as part of a meal. For a party, I love offering these alongside deviled eggs and a fresh fruit tray—the contrast is so pleasant.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the sausage balls on skewers or surrounded a cheese wheel platter with them for a beautiful appetizer display. They’re also charming served in mini cupcake liners when you want to keep things neat and cute.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage balls store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found keeping them nestled in paper towels helps absorb any excess moisture to keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

I often freeze raw sausage balls before baking—lay them on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags. That way, when you want a quick snack, you can bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. This keeps the exterior crispy while warming the creamy inside. Microwaving works too but can make them a bit soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes! Turkey sausage is a great substitute if you want a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey sausage tends to be less fatty, so you might want to add a tiny bit of extra cream cheese or a teaspoon of oil to keep the texture moist.

How do I make sausage balls less greasy?

Choosing a leaner sausage and avoiding overbaking helps reduce greasiness. Also, placing the cooked sausage balls on a paper towel-lined plate right after baking helps soak up excess grease quickly.

Can I prepare the sausage balls mixture ahead and refrigerate before baking?

Absolutely! You can mix everything together, shape the sausage balls, and then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow a couple extra minutes of bake time if baking from cold.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sausage balls?

Reheating in the oven or toaster oven preserves the crispy exterior better than the microwave. Heat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until warmed through. The microwave is quicker but tends to soften the texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this sausage balls recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and so versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying snack, it’s approachable and rewarding. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s like a little warm hug from the kitchen.