Bisquick Sausage Balls are a classic Southern appetizer made with just three ingredients: sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. Ready in under 30 minutes, these bite-sized savory snacks are ideal for parties, game day, holidays, or a simple family gathering.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- What to serve with them
- Make-ahead, storage and reheating
- Make them gluten free
- More appetizer recipes
These Bisquick Sausage Balls are a game changer! I made them for a little get-together, and they disappeared in no time. So easy to whip up and they’re packed with flavor. Will definitely be making these again!
– Baldi
I grew up in Oklahoma where sausage balls were a staple at every holiday gathering. After moving, I continued serving them at parties and discovered many guests had never tried them — a sure sign this is a Midwest/Southern favorite. Over the years I’ve refined the proportions of Bisquick, sausage, and cheese so the balls hold together well and stay moist without crumbling.
With only three ingredients, this Bisquick sausage balls recipe is fast and forgiving. It produces tender, cheesy bites that appeal to both adults and kids. Whether you’re planning a holiday buffet, a casual get-together, or a game day spread, these sausage balls are low-effort and always popular.
Ingredients
Below are the best ingredient choices and simple substitutions so you can tailor the recipe to your taste. Exact measurements appear in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Bisquick – a convenient baking mix that helps bind the meat and cheese while giving a tender bite. It’s widely available and keeps this recipe quick and simple.
- Sausage – traditional pork breakfast sausage works best for flavor and texture. Use mild or hot based on preference; Italian sausage or turkey sausage can be substituted if you prefer. Choose fresh ground sausage rather than patties for easier mixing.
- Cheddar cheese – freshly shredded cheddar melts best. Use medium or sharp for a stronger cheese flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so shredding from a block is recommended.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the ground sausage, shredded cheddar, and Bisquick until evenly combined.
- Form the balls. Shape the mixture into about 20–24 one-inch balls (roughly golf-ball sized). A cookie scoop or your hands work well for this step.
- Bake. Arrange the sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.
What to serve with them
Sausage balls are great on their own, but a dipping sauce adds another layer of flavor. They pair well with both spicy and creamy sauces, depending on the mood of your menu.
- Sauces: Buffalo sauce, nacho cheese sauce, chipotle sauce, BBQ sauce, or a tangy white BBQ-style sauce.
- Dressings: Ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard make easy, crowd-pleasing dips.
Consider creating a small “sausage ball bar” with a variety of sauces and a few other savory appetizers for a satisfying spread.
Make-ahead, storage and reheating
Make ahead: You can assemble the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate them uncooked on a tray or in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Keep warm: If you bake them before guests arrive, keep cooked sausage balls warm in a slow cooker set to “warm.”
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 400°F for 6–8 minutes or in an air fryer at 400°F for 4–5 minutes. Microwave reheating is possible but will yield softer edges.
Freezing: Cooked sausage balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then freeze on a tray until firm before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make them gluten free
To make gluten-free sausage balls, use a certified gluten-free Bisquick-style baking mix or prepare a simple homemade mix: combine gluten-free all-purpose flour with baking powder, salt, and a bit of oil. Adjust amounts so the mixture holds together similarly to the original recipe.
More appetizer recipes
Build a complete party menu with other crowd-pleasing appetizers. Here are a few ideas to complement sausage balls:
-
Pickle Dip
-
Boneless Wings
-
Southwestern Egg Rolls
-
Taco Crescent Rolls
Bisquick Sausage Balls
This quick and easy Bisquick sausage balls recipe uses three simple ingredients to create cheesy, savory bites in about 22 minutes. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day, they’re a reliable crowd pleaser.
24
sausage balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage, mild or hot
- 8 ounces block cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 ¼ cups)
- ¾ cup Bisquick mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, shredded cheese, and Bisquick until evenly mixed.
- Form the mixture into approximately 24 one-inch balls.
- Place the sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- To double the batch for a larger crowd, double all ingredient amounts to make roughly 48 sausage balls.
Nutrition Facts (per ball)
Calories: 112 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 230 mg