Endless Variations
While the classic three-ingredient version is hard to beat, you can easily dress up sausage balls with fun mix-ins and flavors:
- Spicy: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños or use hot Italian sausage
- Cheesy: Mix in shredded pepper jack, parmesan or pimento cheese
- Savory: Stir in diced onions, garlic, green onions or herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Smoky: Use smoked sausage or add a dash of smoked paprika
They’re also an excellent way to use up leftover cheeses, meats and veggies from your fridge. Get creative and make them your own!
Make-Ahead Sausage Ball Prep
Sausage balls are a dream for make-ahead convenience. You can fully prepare them up to 1 month in advance and store them in the freezer until ready to bake.
To freeze unbaked sausage balls: Roll into balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. When ready to bake, arrange the frozen balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
To freeze baked sausage balls: Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or bag. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
No matter when or how you serve them, these cheesy, savory, crispy-on-the-outside, molten-on-the-inside sausage balls are guaranteed to become a new favorite appetizer. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to love! Whip up a batch for your next party and watch them disappear.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage at room temperature
- 2 cups biscuit/baking mix like Bisquick
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together the sausage and biscuit mix until well combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on the outside and sausage is cooked through.
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Let cool 5 minutes, then serve warm with dipping sauces if desired.
