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 utterly comforting about warm, cheesy bites that fill the kitchen with inviting aromas, which is exactly why this Sausage Balls Recipe is a must-try. These little gems bring together savory sausage and melty cheese in each tender bite — perfect for snacking, parties, or even breakfast.

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 sausage balls for years, and every time, friends ask me for the recipe. It’s not just the flavor; it’s how easy and satisfying they are — a reliable crowd-pleaser that I can whip up in under 40 minutes. You’ll find yourself reaching for these snacks again and again.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, making it super accessible and quick to prepare.
Perfectly Portable: These little balls travel well, so they’re great for potlucks, parties, or even lunchboxes.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the heat level or cheese varieties to fit your mood and guests’ tastes.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch ahead and freeze extras — they reheat beautifully without losing flavor or texture.

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 has its role, working together to create that irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why these simple components blend so well and some tips to make your shopping trip easier.

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: The base of the flavor, providing juiciness and a hint of spice if you go for hot sausage. Look for fresh quality sausage with good fat content for tender balls.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful cheesy punch and melts just right without becoming oily.
All-purpose baking mix: This acts as the binder; something like Bisquick saves time and results in soft, cohesive sausage balls.
Cream cheese block: This adds moistness and a subtle tang, elevating the texture and richness in every bite.

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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 adaptable it is. I like to experiment with cheeses or add a little kick, and you can too — the kitchen’s your playground here!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a smoky or spicier twist, which adds a fun new flavor profile that family always loves.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free baking mix—just as easy and just as tasty.
Extra herb: Adding fresh chopped chives or a pinch of dried sage gives the sausage balls a little herbal brightness without overpowering.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment

I always start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment or foil to make cleanup a breeze. If I use foil, a quick spritz with nonstick spray keeps those sausage balls from sticking, so they come off clean and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer makes this step so much easier—just beat the ground sausage and softened cream cheese together until smooth and well combined. It takes the edge off any clumps and ensures every bite is soft and cohesive.

Step 3: Add Baking Mix and Cheese

Next, stir in the baking mix until the dough holds together well, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be soft but shapeable — that’s what you want!

Step 4: Shape into Balls

I like to portion the dough into about 1-tablespoon balls—using a #50 cookie scoop makes this quick and gives uniform size so they bake evenly. Just roll each portion into a smooth little ball and place them spaced out on your prepared sheets.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Pop the trays in the oven and bake for around 12-15 minutes, watching closely for a light bronze color. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safety without drying out the sausage balls. When they come out, let them cool just a bit — they'll firm up perfectly.

Top Tip

Having made sausage balls dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make these shine. Following them’ll save you headaches and help you get that perfect tender, cheesy ball every time.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temp before mixing—it blends seamlessly and keeps the mixture smooth.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients combine; overmixing can make them dense and chewy rather than tender.
Uniform Size: Use a scoop for even-sized balls; they’ll cook uniformly and make serving easier.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven varies—keep an eye near the end of baking to catch that perfect golden color without drying out.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, I often sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a tiny dab of spicy mustard or a creamy dipping sauce on the side takes these from snack to star appetizer.

Side Dishes

I love pairing sausage balls with fresh cut veggies or a simple green salad for balance. They also go wonderfully with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or grits if you’re serving a brunch crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, try arranging sausage balls on a tiered serving platter with assorted cheeses, nuts, and fruit for an elegant cheese ball board vibe. You’d be surprised how impressed guests are with such a simple setup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually line the container with paper towels to absorb any moisture and keep the balls from getting soggy.

Freezing

These freeze like a champ! After baking and cooling, I flash-freeze the balls on a sheet pan, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, perfect for last-minute snacks or gatherings.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to get them warmed through and re-crisped on the outside. Microwaving is faster but can make them a little soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make sausage balls ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! Mix everything and shape the balls, then refrigerate or freeze them unbaked. When ready, bake at 400°F for a couple extra minutes to ensure doneness.

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Ground pork sausage is traditional and gives great flavor and moisture. Mild or hot depends on your heat preference. You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option, but the flavor and fat content will vary.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese in sausage balls?

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can affect melting and texture. For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese for a creamier melt and better flavor integration.

How do I know when sausage balls are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. They should also be lightly browned and firm to the touch. Avoid undercooking to ensure safety and the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This sausage balls recipe has become a staple for me — it’s reliable, delicious, and brings people together around the kitchen table. I hope you’ll find it just as satisfying and easy to make as I do, turning simple ingredients into snack-time magic. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family!