Name: Sausage Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or hot); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces); 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick); 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

There's something so comforting about these little bites of cheesy, savory goodness that just makes any gathering instantly better. This Sausage Balls Recipe brings together cozy flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a tasty afternoon treat with coffee.

A bowl filled with many round, bumpy cheese and meat balls that are golden brown with orange melted cheese spots throughout. The balls have a rough texture and are resting on parchment paper inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. To the side, some shredded yellow cheese pieces lie on the white marbled background. The warm colors of the balls contrast with the light neutral tones of the bowl and surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made sausage balls countless times over the years, and no matter the occasion, they always disappear fast. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, yet taste so much like you’ve put in extra effort. And the flavor combo? Cheddar cheese and sausage with that creamy hint from the cream cheese—it’s like all the best comfort foods rolled into one bite.

Simple ingredients: Just four basics from the fridge or pantry, making it super easy and budget-friendly.
Quick prep and bake time: You’ll have these ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: You can tweak the spice level or cheese type to make these your signature bite.
Great finger food: Perfectly sized to snack on, making them ideal for entertaining or casual nibbling.

A round metal tray lined with brown paper filled with about two layers of golden-brown baked cheese and meat balls, each ball showing melted orange cheese pockets on the surface, placed on a rustic wooden table with colorful toothpicks scattered to the side, and shredded orange cheese blurred in the background, all on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Sausage Balls Recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that come together to create a luscious texture and flavorful bite. Each plays a key role in balancing creaminess, richness, and structure.

Flat lay of fresh ground pork sausage in a neat mound, a block of creamy white cream cheese with smooth texture, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, scattered golden baking mix powder, and a few sausage balls browned to perfection, all beautifully arranged with a few sprigs of fresh green herbs for color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground pork sausage: The star protein for that savory, meaty punch. Mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds tang and richness, plus it melts beautifully for that gooey center.
All-purpose baking mix: Acts as a binder to hold everything together. Baking mix is faster and easier than making your own flour base.
Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the dough creamy and easy to handle.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Sausage Balls Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Maybe you like things spicy, or you prefer a milder, creamier version—there’s plenty of room to experiment and make it your own.

Variation: I often swap out half the cheddar for smoked gouda—it adds a smoky depth that really stands out.
Dietary tweaks: Using turkey sausage gives a lighter twist, though I recommend keeping the full fat cream cheese to preserve moisture.
Herb boosts: Tossing in chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh note and brightens each bite.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes turns these into a little spicy party starter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Balls Recipe

Step 1: Ready your oven and pans

Preheat your oven to 400°F. To keep cleanup a breeze, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you’re using foil, give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray so your sausage balls don’t stick as they bake.

Step 2: Mix that dough

In a large bowl, grab your mixer and blend the cream cheese and sausage together until evenly combined. This step is crucial—creamy and smooth is what you want to help everything bind well. Then add the baking mix and stir thoroughly before folding in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix just enough to incorporate the cheese—don’t overwork it or the balls can get dense.

Step 3: Shape and bake

Grab about a tablespoon of dough for each ball—using a #50 cookie scoop makes this super quick and keeps the sizes uniform. Roll each into a neat 1-inch ball and place them spaced evenly on the baking sheets. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden on top and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Keep an eye so they don’t overbrown.

Top Tip

From all my sausage balls adventures, here are the nuggets of wisdom that really help nail this recipe every single time.

Room temperature cream cheese: Letting it soften makes mixing way easier and gives you a smoother dough texture.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the cheddar, mix gently. Overworking the dough creates tough balls instead of tender pillows.
Uniform sizing: Using a cookie scoop not only saves time but ensures even cooking so no ball is burnt or underdone.
Bake on parchment: This prevents sticking and helps clean up fast, a big win especially when you make a double batch.

How to Serve Sausage Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right out of the oven adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a small dollop of spicy mustard or a little honey mustard dip on the side adds a tangy kick that guests rave about.

Side Dishes

These sausage balls shine as a star appetizer but also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a light meal. For brunch, try serving them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for an unbeatable combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving these in cute mini muffin tins with a little toothpick for easy grabbing. Another fun idea is to skewer them alternately with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves to make “sausage ball kebabs” that add a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honestly, these sausage balls don’t hang around long at my house, but when I do save leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and tasty for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the formed balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. That way, you can bake just what you need whenever the craving hits—no defrosting mess.

Reheating

Reheat in a warm oven (about 350°F) for 10 minutes or so to keep the outside crisp while warming through evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them slightly softer, losing that perfect bake texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage in this Sausage Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! While I usually use ground pork sausage, you can swap in turkey, chicken, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that the fat content affects the texture and moisture, so if you opt for leaner sausage, consider adding a touch more cream cheese.

How do I know when the sausage balls are fully cooked?

The best way to be sure is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. They should also be golden brown on top and a little firm to the touch. If you don’t have a thermometer, baking 12-15 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick.

Can I prepare these sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble your sausage balls and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to your baking time. This makes it super handy for spontaneous entertaining.

What is the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it adds a nice depth of flavor and melts perfectly. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses to suit what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Making this Sausage Balls Recipe feels like a little comforting ritual to me—a chance to create something that’s unpretentious but always welcomed by family and friends. Whether you’re baking a batch for yourself or a crowd, I encourage you to give it a go. These golden bites really have a way of bringing people together and making moments taste a little sweeter.