This easy Sausage Balls recipe is a classic Southern appetizer or snack made with simple ingredients. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Some of my most favorite recipes are simple ones. I like things that are clean and uncomplicated. And, I especially like foods that are quick and easy to throw together with several ingredients typically on hand. I guess that’s why I’m a big sausage ball fan. They have always been high on the list of party foods at our house, especially during the holidays. The simple ingredients and prep make them easy to put together and easy to clean up after. And, chances are your kid will love them too!
This recipe is pretty versatile and always delicious. You can use spicy sausage to give them a kick or stir in some garlic powder and your favorite spices to mix it up a little. Enjoy!
What are sausage balls made of?
Generally, sausage balls incorporate basic ingredients such as ground sausage, cheese, and baking mix. While some recipes call for milk, I prefer to use water. Despite their simplicity, these ingredients come together to deliver an abundance of flavors!
Whether as a snack or appetizer, sausage balls are a breeze to whip up. The next time you need a straightforward recipe for a potluck, breakfast, snack, or tailgate gathering… look no further than this simple, 4-ingredient sausage ball recipe.
What’s good to eat with sausage balls?
Sausage balls can be paired with all kinds of dishes at many different meal times and events. Here are some tasty options:
- Try them with dipping sauces! Serve sausage balls with an assortment of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. The contrasting flavors complement the savory taste of the sausage balls. I especially love them with my Coca Cola BBQ Sauce, Comeback Sauce, and Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Try them on a platter! Create a colorful and healthy veggie, cheese, or fruit platter. Then throw in some of these yummy sausage balls for a great addition of protein and savory flavor.
- Try them with chips and dip! I love to put together a tailgate spread with these sausage balls and chips with salsa and guacamole. Something about these two together leaves me feeling full and satisfied. Grab some tortilla chips and make some of my Ranch Guacamole and Lazy Man’s Salsa.
Ultimately, the choice of what to eat with sausage balls depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light snack, appetizer, or a more substantial meal, there are plenty of options to go with these delicious and easy sausage balls.
How long are sausage balls good for?
Sausage balls have a limited shelf life, but with proper storage, you can extend their freshness.
- Left at room temperature: If you leave your sausage balls out for people to graze over for longer than 2 hours, then you will need to dispose of them that day.
- In the refrigerator: You can store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- In the freezer: To freeze your sausage balls, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet inside your freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They are good in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
Recipe Card
Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine sausage, cheese, and baking mix. It’s best to use your hands here. Then add the water gradually until it gets to the right consistency to roll into balls.
- Next, roll into balls about an inch to inch and a quarter in size and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Although, I prefer to cook mine on a Silpat mat or parchment paper.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Viki
Rolled mine in fresh parmesan cheese after baking and cooled. Fancy! I’m going to try this with turkey sausage and lowfat cheese. Great recipe and a lot of fun to serve with dips! Everybody, including kids, like this recipe!
YUM!
Liz
Stacey, we made these today but made half of the balls with some cut up cilantro and scallions. They were really good too and it made a good selection. Also, we made a really yummy dip too:
1 cup dukes mayo
3ish tablespoons of grey poupon country style
And a big squirt (to taste) of creamy horseradish sauce by bookbinders sassy brand
I always love these things when we stop by your moms for Christmas and was glad to see them on your site!
Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing that dip!
Vin
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I absolutely love this recipe. I made some this past weekend and my friends loved them! I usually use honey mustard as a dipping sauce to bring a little sweetness.
Vin – Wonderful! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them! The honey mustard is a GREAT idea! YUM!
Alana
My family loves these too! We love them with spicy mustard. I usally make extra and stick the cookie sheet in freezer and then put the frozen balls in ziploc bags and cook a few whenever we want them. Thanks!
Alana
Claudine
I just love these things! They are always on my “list” of goodies for the Holidays and of course other celebrations! I’d like to share with you my recipe for a dip for them I came up with years ago. May not sound like it would be good, but it is. Hope you don’t mind. Enjoy!
Claudine
Dip For Sausage Balls
3/4 cup chili sauce — Heinz® brand is best
1 Tablespoon horseradish — * see note
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons red wine — * see note
1 dash Tabasco sauce
Mix all ingredients well.
Serve with sausage balls.
*NOTE: You may increase the amounts of horseradish and red wine to suit your individual taste.
This could be 1 to 3 Tablespoons more of each ingredient.
Wow, this sounds AMAZING! Thanks, Claudine! I can’t wait to give it a try! I LOVE it when y’all share your recipes with me!
marie
Yum Wish I had some now!!!!!!