This recipe for Sausage Balls is what I like to call peak Pinterest-mom food — simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. 😂
They only require four ingredients, come together in minutes, and taste like the most addictive combination of a cheesy biscuit and a savory meatball. Whether you serve them as a holiday appetizer, game day snack, or at your next potluck, trust me: people will be hovering around the tray waiting for seconds.
🌟 What Are Sausage Balls?
If you’ve never tried Bisquick sausage balls before (they’re huge in the Midwest and the South), imagine the comfort of sausage gravy and biscuits — but bite-sized and perfectly golden. They’re soft inside, crispy outside, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
They’re basically the shortcut cousin of meatballs — no breadcrumbs, no frying, no fuss. Just mix, roll, and bake.
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
You really only need four things:
- Italian Sausage – I love using Italian breakfast sausage like Jimmy Dean or a local butcher blend. You can use mild or spicy depending on your crowd.
- Bisquick Mix – The secret ingredient! It gives these the perfect biscuit texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded for the best melt and flavor.
- Milk – Helps the mixture come together smoothly.
💡 Optional add-ins: garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, or chopped herbs if you’re using plain sausage and want to jazz things up.
👩🍳 How to Make Sausage Balls
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the sausage and Bisquick mix. You can start with a spoon, but honestly, hands work best here. Once combined, add the milk and shredded cheese.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, keeping them all close to the same size for even baking.
Step 3: Bake or Air Fry
- Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes, until golden and cooked through (160°F internal temp).
- Air fryer method: Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes — no parchment paper needed, but you can use some if you prefer easy cleanup.
That’s it! No browning, no flipping, just perfectly baked, cheesy, golden sausage bites.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These sausage balls are amazing on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few sauces. Try serving them with:
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Yum sauce (for that creamy tangy kick!)
Serve them warm straight from the oven, or keep them in a slow cooker on “warm” for parties.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead: You can roll the sausage balls a day or two in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but pepper jack or Colby cheese work too. Avoid high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella — they’ll make the mixture too wet.
- Crispy Bottom Fans: Don’t flip them while baking! That slightly crisp underside is chef’s kiss.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crisp again.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sausage balls check every box:
✅ Just 4 simple ingredients
✅ Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Crowd-favorite appetizer
✅ Perfect for holidays, tailgates, or brunch
Seriously, one batch is never enough — make a double batch if you’re hosting, because these little bites of heaven disappear fast.
