If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s irresistibly cheesy, satisfyingly meaty, and downright addictive, you’re going to want to stick around. This Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that I keep coming back to, whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again—and again. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor; what more could you want in a snack?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry or fridge, so no last-minute grocery runs.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: These balls are just the right size for snacking or serving at parties without any hassle.
- Great Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these, and they always disappear fast.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or cheeses to truly make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor. When you combine Bisquick, sausage, cheddar, and just a splash of milk with Italian seasoning, you get that perfect bite every time. A quick tip: opt for sharp cheddar as it brings a punch of flavor that really makes these balls sing.
- Bisquick: The secret to these cheese balls’ tender and fluffy texture—plus it makes mixing a breeze.
- Pork Sausage: Use ground pork sausage with seasoning for bold meaty flavor; spicy sausage is a great option if you like a kick.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated fresh for maximum melted cheesy goodness—avoid pre-shredded for better texture.
- Milk: Just enough to keep things moist without getting soggy; whole milk is best but any will do.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal note that lifts the overall flavor without overpowering.
Variations
I love that this Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can totally switch things up depending on your mood or pantry. I’ve played around with different cheeses and seasoning combos to keep things interesting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Cheese Swap: I’ve swapped sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a little heat, and my family adored the slightly spicy twist.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens up the flavor, especially if you love herbal notes.
- Healthy Twist: Try turkey sausage instead of pork for a leaner version that’s still packed with flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute Bisquick for a gluten-free baking mix to cater to sensitivities.
How to Make Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix It All Up
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and spraying a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, throw in your Bisquick, raw pork sausage, grated sharp cheddar, milk, and Italian seasoning. Now, using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything until it’s well combined but don’t overwork it or the sausage balls can get dense. When I first made these, I was worried about getting the right consistency, so I learned to stop mixing once everything looked evenly moistened.
Step 2: Shape the Sausage Cheese Balls
Grab a cookie scoop or tablespoon and scoop out about 1-inch portions of the mixture. Roll them quickly between your palms to form tight balls—this squeezing trick helps them hold together beautifully while baking. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room so they brown evenly. This step always feels therapeutic to me and really helps with portion control if you’re serving a crowd.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top and feel firm but not dry to the touch. I like to peek halfway through and rotate the pan for even baking. When these come out, I usually let them cool just a bit before diving in because the cheese inside is super hot and melty—trust me, patience pays off here!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and helps the mixture stick together perfectly compared to pre-shredded.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make bites tough, so mix just until combined.
- Uniform Size Matters: A cookie scoop helps keep sausage balls even so they bake consistently.
- Don’t Skip the Spray: Nonstick spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
How to Serve Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or even grated Parmesan cheese right after baking for a pop of color and extra flavor. If you like a spicy zip, a dash of hot sauce or a side of ranch dressing makes an unbeatable dip that my guests always rave about.
Side Dishes
For gatherings, I like to serve these baked sausage cheese balls alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot coins, and a fresh garden salad. If it’s a game day snack spread, throw in some chips and guacamole for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a holiday party, I arranged these bites on a wooden platter lined with lettuce leaves and added little toothpicks with festive ribbons—everyone loved the charm and ease of grabbing them. You can also serve them in mini muffin liners for a neat, mess-free presentation that’s perfect for kids or buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store these sausage cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor and texture surprisingly well, making for a perfect next-day snack or quick meal addition.
Freezing
I like to freeze some sausage balls before baking. Just shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, bake them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This freezes beautifully and cuts down prep time later.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp, golden exterior—it tends to get a little soggy otherwise.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the sausage balls up to a day ahead, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and bake when you’re ready. You can also freeze the raw balls and bake later, which is super convenient for busy days.
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What type of sausage is best to use?
I recommend using fresh pork sausage as it’s flavorful and juicy. You can opt for spicy sausage if you want a little heat or turkey sausage for a leaner twist. Just make sure it’s raw sausage, not pre-cooked or dried.
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Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Sharp cheddar is classic, but I’ve also had great results using pepper jack for spice or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness. Just be sure to grate the cheese fresh for best melting.
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Are these sausage balls gluten-free?
The original recipe uses Bisquick, which has gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe brings people together in my kitchen. It’s a no-fail, cozy comfort food that always gets devoured in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute appetizer or a simple snack to satisfy hunger, this recipe has your back. I’m telling you—you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite cheese, and let’s make some magic!
Print
Baked Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 28 sausage balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bisquick Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, and perfect bite-sized snacks for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like Bisquick, pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, they come together quickly and bake to golden-brown perfection. Ideal for parties, breakfast, or snacking, they’re moist, flavorful, and best served warm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Prepare a rimmed baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick, Italian seasoning, milk, pork sausage, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture.
- Shape Sausage Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Press firmly as you shape them to ensure they hold together well during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped sausage balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet or rimmed baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are browned and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the sausage balls warm for the best taste and texture. They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Bisquick sausage balls assemble quickly, making them ideal for last-minute snacks or gatherings.
- Adjust the size of the sausage balls if desired, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or substitute Italian seasoning with your favorite herbs.
- These sausage balls freeze well; you can freeze uncooked balls and bake them directly from frozen with a slightly longer bake time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage ball (1/28 of recipe)
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
