How To Make Delicious Sausage Balls With Bisquick

Looking for a quick and easy appetizer or party snack? Learn how to make delicious sausage balls using Bisquick and white cheddar. This simple and tasty recipe comes together with just a few ingredients, and is a fast, delicious finger food for any social gathering.

Here are some other fantastic, quick appetizers you can whip up: 27 Christmas Finger Food Recipes.

What Are Sausage Balls?

Sausage balls are bite-sized morsels made by combining ground sausage, shredded cheese, and a baking biscuit mix like Bisquick. The result? A golden, crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy, and savory interior that’s downright irresistible.

These delightful bites are a mainstay during the holidays but are versatile enough to serve year-round. Their simplicity and bold flavors make them a hit with adults and kids alike. In fact, my four-year-old had FIVE for dinner (huge win).

A Little History on Sausage Balls

Sausage balls have their roots in Southern cooking, where simple ingredients are often transformed into dishes bursting with flavor. They gained popularity alongside the introduction of Bisquick in the 1930s, a revolutionary baking mix that made it easier than ever to whip up biscuits, pancakes, and more. It didn’t take long for home cooks to start experimenting, and the now-classic combination of sausage, cheese, and Bisquick was born.

Jump to:

• What Are Sausage Balls?
• A Little History on Sausage Balls
• Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls with Bisquick
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-by-Step Guide to Make Sausage Balls With Bisquick
• Tips for the Perfect Sausage Balls
• Variations to Keep Things Interesting
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• FAQs About Sausage Balls
• Why This Recipe Stays a Favorite
• Other Appetizers To Make...
• Printable Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Sausage Balls with Bisquick

Great for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect and not messy for larger crowds. Use mini bamboo skewers or cocktail forks to make serving even easier!

They’re Easy to Make: With just three main ingredients—sausage, cheese, and Bisquick—this recipe is wonderfully simple and approachable.

Packed with Flavor: The richness of savory sausage and sharp white cheddar cheese blends beautifully with the buttery notes of Bisquick.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack, a party appetizer, or part of a weekend brunch, sausage balls are a fan favorite.

Ingredient Notes

One of the reasons sausage balls are such a beloved dish is their simplicity. However, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break down the ingredients to help you make the best sausage balls possible.

Ground Sausage: Mild sausage is great for a more classic taste, while hot sausage adds a spicy kick. Breakfast sausage also works particularly well, especially if you’re serving these in the morning.

Note: The fat in sausage is essential for keeping the sausage balls moist. Avoid lean sausage, as it can result in a dry texture.

Sharp White Cheddar: Typically, regular sharp cheddar is the traditional choice for sausage balls. I find that white cheddar has a more robust flavor and balances the savory sausage perfectly. Avoid pre-shedded cheese, if you can. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can impact the texture of your sausage balls. Grating your cheese fresh ensures better melting and a creamier texture. Rotary graters like this make it so much easier to grate blocks of cheese quickly.

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for spice, gouda for a smoky flavor, or mozzarella for a milder option.

Dijon Mustard: Self explanatory, because a little dollop of mustard always makes everything better. Here's my favorite Dijon mustard.

Bisquick Baking Mix: Why Bisquick? This all-in-one baking mix includes flour, leavening agents, and fat, making it a convenient and essential ingredient for binding the sausage balls together.

Be sure to measure the Bisquick correctly. Too much can make the sausage balls dry and crumbly, while too little may cause them to fall apart. Use a spoon to scoop the mix into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

If you don’t have Bisquick, you can make your own using a mix of flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of butter. Gluten-free baking mixes also work well as a substitute.

Chives: Milder than regular onions or green onions, chives add a subtle oniony flavor to the sausage balls, not overpowering all the other savory flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

While the traditional recipe is fantastic, adding a few extra ingredients can take your sausage balls to the next level:

Cream Cheese: Mixing in a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese adds richness and helps keep the sausage balls moist.

Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to the mix.

Spices: A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can enhance the savory profile.

Vegetables: Finely diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sausage: Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option. Just make sure the sausage has enough fat to maintain a moist texture.

Cheese: Try dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re making these for someone with dietary restrictions.

Bisquick: For a low-carb or keto version, almond flour combined with a pinch of baking powder and salt can work as a substitute.

What to Look for When Choosing Ingredients

Sausage Freshness: Always use fresh, high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Check the packaging for an expiration date and make sure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator.

Cheese Quality: Opt for a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded for maximum flavor and creaminess.

Bisquick Consistency: Ensure your Bisquick is fresh and free of clumps. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, sift it before measuring.

Ingredient Pairings for Enhanced Flavor

If you’re planning a meal or appetizer spread, consider these pairings to complement the flavors in your sausage balls:

Savory Dips: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce work beautifully as dips. Here are some dipping sauces would work beautifully.

Beverage Pairings: Serve with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or a cold beer for game day. Sparkling water with a splash of citrus is also a refreshing option.

Side Dishes: Pair with fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a more balanced offering.

By paying close attention to the quality and balance of your ingredients, you can ensure your sausage balls are flavorful, moist, and utterly delicious every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Sausage Balls With Bisquick

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sausage, cheese, Dijon mustard, chives, seasonings, and Bisquick.
   
3. Mix: Use clean hands or a rubber spatula to mix all the ingredients together until just combined.
   
4. Roll into Balls: Use a cookie scoop to roll "dough" into uniform balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
   
5. Bake: Bake the sausage balls for 15-20 minutes until the sausage balls are golden brown and crispy.
   
6. Serve: Plate the sausage balls and garnish with more chives and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage Balls

If you’re looking to make the best sausage balls, follow these helpful tips:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh sausage and sharp white cheddar cheese make all the difference. If possible, grate your cheese at home for better melting and flavor.
   
2. Mix by Hand: Combine the sausage and cheese first before adding the Bisquick. Mixing by hand ensures everything is evenly distributed without overworking the "dough".
   
3. Keep the Balls Uniform: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to shape your sausage balls into equal sizes. This ensures they cook evenly.
   
4. Line Your Baking Sheet: Avoid sticking and make cleanup easier by using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
   
5. Bake to Perfection: Cook until golden brown, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfectly done sausage balls.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

While the classic recipe is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize your sausage balls to suit different tastes:

• Spicy Kick: Swap regular sausage for a spicy version or add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
  
• Cheese Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for heat, gouda for a smoky flavor, or mozzarella for a milder touch.
  
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley is a good addition to these sausage balls.
  
• Creamy Texture: Mix in a bit of softened cream cheese for an extra tender and rich bite.
  
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free baking mix for Bisquick to accommodate dietary needs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Dry Sausage Balls: If your sausage balls turn out dry, it’s likely due to a lack of fat in the sausage or overbaking. Choose a sausage with a good fat content and keep an eye on the baking time.
   
2. Crumbly Texture: This can happen if the ratio of Bisquick to sausage is too high. Stick to the recipe’s proportions for the best results. Add a tablespoon of water if the meatballs are not sticking together.
   
3. Sticky Mixture: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before rolling it into balls.

FAQs About Sausage Balls

1. Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and roll it into balls a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh when ready. Alternatively, bake them ahead of time and reheat before serving.

2. Can I freeze sausage balls?
Absolutely. Sausage balls freeze well, both cooked and uncooked. For uncooked sausage balls, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked sausage balls can be frozen and reheated directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

3. What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar (my preference is white cheddar) is the classic choice because its bold flavor holds its own against the sausage. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a twist.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure the other ingredients, such as the sausage and cheese, are also gluten-free.

5. How many sausage balls does this recipe make?
The yield depends on the size of the balls. If you use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to measure, you’ll typically get about 40–50 sausage balls.

6. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat sausage balls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to retain their crisp exterior. Microwaving works for a quick fix but can make them slightly softer.

7. Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Some popular add-ins include diced jalapeños for heat, chopped green onions for freshness, or a splash of hot sauce for extra zing.

Why This Recipe Stays a Favorite

There’s something truly comforting about recipes like this. They’re simple, delicious, and best enjoyed with others. Now that you’ve got all the tips, tricks, and inspiration, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make some sausage balls that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Other Appetizers To Make...

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Printable Recipe