Sausage Balls – A Southern Classic for Every Occasion

There’s something timeless and comforting about a tray of warm, golden-brown sausage balls. Whether you’re serving them with black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day, pairing them with a bowl of soup on a chilly evening, or setting them out for game day, these Sausage Balls are always a hit. They’re savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor—crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside.

This version takes the classic recipe up a notch with the addition of minced onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. It’s a little different from the original, but every bit as delicious—and maybe even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Prepped and in the oven in under 15 minutes.
Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep in advance or freeze for later.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.
Customizable – Add your favorite seasonings or swap in turkey sausage.

Ingredients

This recipe yields about 30–36 sausage balls, depending on size.

1 lb ground pork sausage (or turkey sausage)
Choose a flavorful sausage that’s not too lean for the best texture.
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
The classic binder that gives these their signature texture.
4 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts beautifully.
¼ to ⅓ cup milk
Helps bring the mixture together—add gradually as needed.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Adds umami and depth.
¼ cup finely minced onion
Adds sweetness and texture.
2 cloves garlic, minced
For a savory kick.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Balances the richness with a touch of spice.

Optional Add-ins: Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing spoon or your hands
Small cookie scoop (optional)
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 lb ground sausage
2 cups Bisquick mix

Use your hands to mix until the sausage and baking mix are well combined.

Tip: Don’t overwork the mixture—just enough to bring it together.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Cheese

Add to the bowl:

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar
¼ cup milk (start with less and add more if needed)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup minced onion
2 cloves minced garlic
½ teaspoon black pepper

Mix thoroughly with your hands until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.

Tip: Add milk 1–2 tablespoons at a time until the mixture is moist but not sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter—roughly half the size of a golf ball.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Optional: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through.

The cheese should be melted and the tops lightly crisped.

Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature.

These sausage balls are delicious on their own or with dipping sauces like:

Honey mustard
Spicy ranch
BBQ sauce
Hot pepper jelly

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings (about 30–36 sausage balls)
Calories: ~210 kcal per serving (approximate)

Tips for Success

Finely mince the onion and garlic so the balls hold together easily.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Choose a sausage with moderate fat—too lean and the balls will be dry; too fatty and they’ll be greasy.
Don’t overmix—just enough to combine the ingredients.
Serve promptly for the best texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and swap cheddar for mozzarella.
Cajun Kick: Use andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning.
Breakfast Version: Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty morning meal.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave at reduced power or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Freeze: Roll and flash-freeze unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 2 months.
Bake from frozen: Thaw on a baking sheet for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Perfect Pairings

These sausage balls are incredibly versatile. Try serving them with:

Black-eyed peas and greens (a New Year’s tradition!)
Hearty soups like potato, tomato, or lentil
Game day spreads with wings, sliders, and chips
Holiday brunches with quiche and fruit salad
Charcuterie boards for a savory bite

Final Thoughts

These Sausage Balls are more than just a party snack—they’re a beloved tradition, a comfort food, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their cheesy, savory flavor and tender texture, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year, hosting a game night, or just craving something warm and satisfying, these little bites are always a good idea.