A holiday staple that's been a family favorite for years! This classic sausage balls recipe never goes out of style. With just 4 simple ingredients, they come together quickly and are perfect to prep ahead. Add them to your holiday appetizer list-you won't regret it.
My husband has been making this recipe since he was a teenager. He adapted it from one his mom used to make with Bisquick, but he never loved the original texture. It had a bit too much Bisquick and made the sausage balls spongy. So, he adjusted the ratio and came up with what we think is the perfect version-less bread, more sausage. I have to say, I really love his take, and that's why I'm excited to share it with you.
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Every so often, when my husband cooks dinner, he'll whip up a tray of these sausage balls. I'm never going to say no to him cooking! He'll serve them with sliced vegetables and green olives for a fun, fuss-free dinner. Sometimes appetizers make the best meals.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage - Use a classic like Jimmy Dean or your favorite brand. Spicy sausage works great too!
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are tasty swaps.
- Bisquick - Or use the homemade version above.
- Red pepper flakes - Add more or less for your preferred heat level. This recipe just has a little kick.
One night we ran out of Bisquick, so I found a homemade version on My Baking Addiction. It takes 5 minutes to make, stores well, and now we always keep a batch in the fridge. Since sausage balls are the only recipe we use it for, homemade just makes sense!
Easy Homemade Bisquick
This easy homemade Bisquick can be used in any recipe that calls for the boxed version. You can even cut the recipe in half if you don't need as much.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
Add everything to a food processor and pulse until the shortening is fully incorporated and the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
vARIATIONS
Sausage balls can easily be customized by adding in other ingredients. Try adding in ingredients like
- green onions
- chives
- diced jalapeños
- monterey jack cheese
- colby jack cheese
- cayenne pepper powder
- chipotle powder
- place a pretzel stick in each one for and easy to grab appetizer
Tips
- Let sausage sit at room temp for 30-60 minutes before mixing for easier handling.
- A stand mixer helps if the sausage is cold-just don't overmix.
- Bake directly on the sheet pan (no parchment or foil) for crispy, cheesy edges.
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📖 Recipe
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage like Jimmy Dean
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese *See recipe notes
- 1 cup bisquick
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 350° F.
- In a large bowl combine the sausage, shredded cheese, Bisquick and red pepper flakes. Mix (using hands) until well combined.
- Portion and roll out 40-45 (1 ½") sausage balls. The balls can be placed side by side on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel lined baking sheet to blot off some of the grease before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe yields 40-45 sausage balls.
- Use 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese using the large hole on the shredder.
- If using pre shredded cheese use a 1-pound bag.
- Let sausage sit at room temp for 30-60 minutes before mixing for easier handling.
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- Bake directly on the sheet pan (no parchment or foil) for crispy, cheesy edges.
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