The best Mexican Sausage Balls are simple to make with just four ingredients in under 30 minutes. They’re an easy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings.
Table of contents
- Instructions
- Frequently asked questions
- What to serve with them
- How to store and reheat
- More appetizer recipes
Few snacks pair with football like sausage balls. They’re warm, cheesy, and easy to eat with one hand while cheering on the game. At my house I sometimes set up a little sausage ball bar for gatherings—several varieties warmed and ready so everyone can try a few different flavors.
A sausage ball bar can include several versions, such as:
- Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls
- Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Sausage Balls
- Sausage Stuffing Balls
- Cheesy Taco Sausage Balls
- Classic Bisquick Sausage Balls
All of these varieties can be prepared ahead of time, baked, and then reheated when guests arrive. For this Mexican chorizo version, you only need four main ingredients. The mixture comes together quickly and bakes into bite-sized, savory morsels that are always popular at parties.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups Bisquick mix, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 2 pounds Mexican chorizo (remove casing if necessary), and one 7-ounce can of drained diced green chilies. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form the balls. Roll the mixture into 30–35 small, golf-ball-sized portions (about 1 inch each). Wetting your hands slightly can help prevent sticking.
- Bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the sausage balls in a single layer and bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve. Transfer to a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. To keep them warm during a gathering, place the cooked sausage balls in a slow cooker set to the warm setting.
Frequently asked questions
- Can this recipe be gluten free? Yes. Use a certified gluten-free baking mix or make a simple gluten-free Bisquick substitute by combining 3 cups gluten-free flour with 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Also ensure the chorizo you buy is labeled gluten free.
- What is Mexican chorizo? Mexican chorizo is a fresh, uncooked pork sausage seasoned with bold spices. It’s usually sold raw and must be cooked before eating. It provides robust flavor on its own, so you typically don’t need to add extra spices when using it in recipes.
- How does Mexican chorizo differ from Spanish chorizo? Spanish chorizo is cured and smoked, so it’s ready to eat straight from the package. Mexican chorizo is raw and must be cooked; it tends to have a softer texture and more pronounced seasoning when cooked into dishes.
- Can I substitute another sausage? Yes. If chorizo isn’t available, use a hot pork sausage or a mild pork sausage plus a tablespoon of taco seasoning to mimic the chorizo’s spice profile.
What to serve with them
These sausage balls are great on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce. A simple, quick dip is plain sour cream mixed with your favorite hot sauce. Other excellent pairings include creamy avocado salsa, cilantro-lime pesto, roasted tomato salsa, honey-lime dressing, creamy chipotle sauce, or classic guacamole.
If you’re building a spread, include a variety of appetizers for guests to mix and match. Consider items such as:
- Cheesy green chili chicken rolled tacos
- Buffalo-style queso dip
- Pulled pork nachos
- Seven-layer dip with fajita vegetables
- Cheeseburger egg rolls
- Waffle fry nachos
How to store and reheat
Store leftover Mexican sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer. In the oven, place sausage balls on a foil-lined baking sheet and heat at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes. In an air fryer, reheat at 400°F for 4–5 minutes. Microwaving for about 60 seconds works in a pinch but may soften the exterior.
More appetizer recipes
Build a memorable appetizer table with a mix of warm and cold bites. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas to include alongside sausage balls:
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Cheesy Baked Taco Dip
Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls
Taco Crescent Rolls
Boneless Wings
Southwestern Egg Rolls
Mexican Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups Bisquick mix
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 pounds Mexican chorizo sausage
- 7 ounce can diced green chilies
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix evenly; shape into 30–35 golf-ball-sized balls.
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Arrange the sausage balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Notes
- Gluten-free option: Make a gluten-free Bisquick by mixing 3 cups gluten-free flour with 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Confirm that the chorizo is also gluten-free.
- Sausage substitute: If chorizo is unavailable, use hot pork sausage or regular pork sausage plus 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to add the missing spices.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- Reheating: Oven: 400°F for 6–8 minutes on a foil-lined sheet. Air fryer: 400°F for 4–5 minutes. Microwaving is faster but may soften the exterior.