Description
Easy and delicious cheesy sausage balls, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or brunch! Made with sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage (mild or hot Italian, or breakfast sausage)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
- 1 ½ cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended, 2% acceptable)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely diced green onions
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, crumble sausage. Add cheese, baking mix, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add optional parsley, green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined. Do not overmix.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form mixture into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Wet hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Place sausage balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack, with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.
- Freezing: Freeze sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Variations:
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
- For a cheesier flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken sausage.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Troubleshooting:
- If too dry, add more milk.
- If too greasy, drain excess grease after baking.
- If not holding shape, add more baking mix.
- If burning on the bottom, lower oven temperature and bake longer.
- If not cooking through, increase oven temperature and bake shorter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes