Table of Contents
Description
These Simple Sausage Balls are cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients — the perfect party appetizer or snack!
🧡 Introduction
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires almost no effort but delivers maximum flavor, these Simple Sausage Balls deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection! Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a holiday gathering, or just need a quick and satisfying snack for the family, this recipe has your back.
Made with just a handful of basic pantry ingredients, sausage balls are the kind of recipe that never disappoints. They’re savory, cheesy, bite-sized, and perfectly golden with a soft center, making them impossible to eat just one. Even better, they’re incredibly versatile — ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, potlucks, or even meal-prep snacks.
What makes this recipe so great? It’s effortless, beginner-friendly, and comes together in minutes. Many readers also love that this dish can be adapted for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles with easy swaps. If you enjoy simple, comforting, and wholesome homemade appetizers, you’re going to love this one! 😋
🧑🍳 Recipe Equipment
Before you start, here’s the equipment you’ll need for this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cooling rack
Tip: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and helps the sausage balls bake evenly.
📊 Recipe Stats
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20–22 minutes |
| Total Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Servings | 24 sausage balls |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Best For | Appetizers, snacks, parties, breakfast |
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Simple Sausage Balls:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage (mild, regular, or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups baking mix (like Bisquick or keto alternative)
- 4 tbsp softened cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Ground Sausage: Use mild, spicy, or maple sausage depending on the flavor you want. For a keto version, choose a low-carb sausage without fillers.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesiness.
- Baking Mix: Bisquick is classic, but almond flour + a little baking powder works great for a low-carb alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the sausage balls softer, moist, and more flavorful.
- Seasoning: Adjust spices to taste — these are easy to customize!
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, baking mix, egg, and seasonings.
Use a spoon or your hands to mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball and roll it between your palms to form round, even balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the sausage balls are lightly golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. They should look crispy on the edges but soft and puffy in the center.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let them cool for 2–3 minutes on a rack before serving. Enjoy warm with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or cheese sauce.
💡 Pro Tips & Tasty Variations
- Make It Spicy: Use hot sausage and add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or grated zucchini blend well for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar-jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor combinations.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze unbaked sausage balls for future quick snacks.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, marinara, or barbecue sauce for a fun variety platter.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These Simple Sausage Balls are incredibly versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:
- As a party appetizer with toothpicks
- Alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast
- Packed in lunchboxes for a protein-rich snack
- Served with a salad for a light meal
- On a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and dips
🧊 Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer (Unbaked or Baked): Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake or reheat.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until heated through.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving of 2 sausage balls)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 14g
These Simple Sausage Balls are the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something delicious. Whether you make them for a family breakfast, a cozy weekend snack, or a large celebration, they always win hearts (and taste buds!).