Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe

I think we all love a recipe that is simple, quick, and absolutely delicious, right? These Bisquick sausage balls check all those boxes and more. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a snack for game day, sausage balls are always a crowd-pleaser. The savory combination of sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which makes them the ultimate finger food. They’re just so easy to pop into your mouth!

this RECIPE

My first bite of nostalgia

I’ll never forget the first time I made sausage balls. It was one of those last-minute, “What do I even have in the fridge?” situations. I was hosting a casual get-together and needed something quick. Luckily, I remembered a friend once mentioning this recipe, and thankfully, I had all three ingredients on hand. As soon as they started baking, the smell wafted through the house—savory, cheesy goodness that had everyone’s mouths watering. When I pulled them out of the oven, they were golden brown, and within minutes, there wasn’t a single one left on the tray. It was one of those rare cooking moments where everything just worked out perfectly! Since then, these sausage balls have been a go-to for nearly every occasion.

A little history behind sausage balls

Sausage balls have been around for decades and are often associated with Southern cuisine. Traditionally served at parties, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, they offer a quick and easy way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Over time, the recipe has seen slight variations, with people experimenting by adding different spices, cheeses, or flours. But the original version—using Bisquick, sausage, and cheese—remains a beloved classic. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time, and for good reason. It’s hard to beat something this simple yet satisfying.

Let’s talk ingredients: What you need and how to choose the best

Sausage: The foundation of flavor

The type of sausage you choose makes a big difference in how your sausage balls turn out. I like to use mild beef sausage, but you can easily swap in a hot variety if you’re in the mood for a little extra kick. Just be sure to use a sausage that has a good balance of fat to ensure your sausage balls don’t dry out while baking. If you can’t find beef sausage, try turkey sausage as a lighter alternative. Pro tip: Opt for a sausage with no added fillers or preservatives, for the best flavor and texture.

Cheddar cheese: Bringing the savory, cheesy goodness

Cheddar cheese is a must in this recipe. Its sharp, tangy flavor complements the savory sausage perfectly, and when it melts, it helps to bind everything together. I always recommend shredding your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has added anti-caking agents, which can affect how well it melts. Plus, fresh cheese just tastes better! If you’re out of cheddar or want to mix things up, you can try using pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Bisquick: The secret binding ingredient

Bisquick is what gives these sausage balls their light, fluffy texture. It helps bind the sausage and cheese together while also adding a slight crunch to the outside. If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can make a simple homemade version with flour, baking powder, salt, and butter. It works just as well, though I will say Bisquick has a distinct flavor that adds to the charm of these sausage balls.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

The good news? You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment for this recipe. Just a few basics, and you’re ready to go.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is a must. You need space to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without spilling any of that precious cheese or sausage.
• Parchment paper: This is your best friend when it comes to preventing the sausage balls from sticking to the baking sheet. No parchment? No problem—just grease your baking sheet well.
• Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet works perfectly. No need for any fancy pans here.
• Cheese grater: If you’re shredding cheese from a block (which I highly recommend), you’ll need a basic grater.

Step-by-step: Making these sausage balls in no time

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. This will give you time to prep everything else while the oven heats up.
2. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick. You can use a spoon, but I usually just go in with my hands—yes, it’s a bit messy, but it really helps ensure everything is well combined.
3. Form the sausage balls. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls, about the size of a walnut. You should end up with around 24 balls. If the mixture is too dry to roll, you can add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it up.
4. Place them on a baking sheet. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and space the sausage balls about an inch apart. They won’t spread much, but you still want a little room for air to circulate.
5. Bake. Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different, so check for that perfect golden crust. If you’re unsure, cut one open to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.

Delicious variations to try

The beauty of these sausage balls is how easy they are to customize. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of variations.

• Spicy twist: If you like heat, use hot sausage or add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. I’ve even tossed in a bit of chopped jalapeño for an extra kick!
• Gluten-free: You can easily make these gluten-free by using a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick. I’ve tried this version, and it works just as well!
• Healthier swap: If you’re watching your calories, try using turkey sausage and a reduced-fat cheddar. The flavor is still great, and you get a lighter snack.
• Herb-infused: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for an added layer of flavor. Trust me, the freshness really complements the richness of the sausage and cheese.

How to serve these sausage balls (presentation matters!)

When serving these sausage balls, presentation can be as simple or fancy as you like. I often pile them onto a rustic wooden platter for a more casual gathering. For something a bit more formal, you can plate them with small toothpicks or skewers, arranged in neat rows. A side of dipping sauce can take them to the next level—I usually serve mine with a tangy honey mustard or a cool ranch dressing. If you want to add a pop of color, garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Perfect drinks to pair with your meal

Since these sausage balls are packed with savory flavors, you’ll want a drink that complements them without overpowering. For options, I love serving:

• Sparkling lemonade: The tartness of lemonade cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese.
• Iced tea: A classic! Whether sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea is a refreshing choice that pairs well with almost anything.
• Ginger ale: The slight spice of ginger ale can bring out the flavors in the sausage, adding a fun twist to your usual drink options.

How to store and reheat sausage balls

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing and reheating these sausage balls is super easy. Place any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, and they’ll crisp right back up. You can also freeze them! Lay the sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes around 24 sausage balls, but it’s easy to adjust if you’re cooking for a smaller or larger crowd. Just halve or double the ingredients, and you’re good to go. One thing I’ve noticed when scaling up is that you may need to extend the baking time by a couple of minutes if you make larger sausage balls. Keep an eye on them, and test one to make sure it’s cooked through.

Common issues and how to avoid them

• Sausage balls too dry? You might have packed in too much Bisquick. Try reducing the amount slightly, or add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
• Not holding together? Make sure you’re thoroughly mixing the sausage, cheese, and Bisquick. It might take a little elbow grease (or a hand mixer if you prefer).
• Too greasy? Opt for a leaner sausage or blot the sausage balls with a paper towel after baking to absorb some of the excess grease.

Ready to try these sausage balls yourself?

I promise, once you make these Bisquick sausage balls, you’ll see just how addictive they are. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this is a recipe that’s hard to mess up—and even harder to resist. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your guests (or just yourself) with this tasty snack!

FAQs

1. Can I make sausage balls ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it, or roll the sausage balls, freeze them, and bake from frozen when needed.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   You can, but fresh-shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.
3. How long do sausage balls last in the fridge?
   Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp gouda would be delicious substitutions.

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