Ultimate Sausage Balls Recipe: Cheesy, Savory, and Irresistible
Cheesy bites meet perfect seasoning for a crowd-ready, make-ahead appetizer every time.
If you’re searching for the perfect appetizer for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering, look no further than sausage balls. These bite-sized, golden treats feature perfectly seasoned pork sausage mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese for a moist, flavorful result. Paired with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, this classic recipe is truly irresistible and incredibly easy to prepare.
Why Sausage Balls Are a Crowd Favorite
- Quick to Prepare: Ready to serve within 40 minutes including prep and baking time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for effortless assembly.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfasts, snacks, game days, holiday gatherings, and potlucks.
- Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance and reheat as needed.
Ingredients for Sausage Balls and Dip
| Ingredient | Sausage Balls | Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups | – |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp | – |
| Creole seasoning | 1 tbsp | – |
| Pork sausage | 1 lb (ground) | – |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz block | – |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | – |
| Green onions (finely chopped) | 2 | – |
| Mayonnaise | – | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | – | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow mustard | – | 2 tbsp |
| Whole grain mustard | – | 1 tbsp |
| White vinegar | – | 2 tsp |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat & Prepare: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning. Whisk until fully blended.
- Combine Sausage Ball Ingredients: In a large bowl, break up the raw pork sausage. Add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and the flour mixture. Knead together with clean hands until uniformly combined and sticky.
- Form Balls: Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place evenly on the prepared baking sheets with a little space between each.
- Bake: Place trays in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, and white vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust to taste if desired.
- Serve: Plate the sausage balls while warm or at room temperature and offer the dipping sauce alongside.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
- Room Temperature Sausage: Let the sausage warm slightly before mixing to ensure even integration of ingredients.
- Mix Thoroughly: Knead until the mixture has no streaks—this helps keep the balls moist and prevent crumbling.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or kitchen scale for precise, evenly-cooked balls.
- Prevent Stickiness: Slightly wet hands or use a bit of flour when rolling balls for easier shaping.
- Flavorful Variations: Substitute hot Italian or maple sausage; swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or southern-style grits for a full morning meal.
- Appetizer Platter: Offer with ranch, tzatziki, BBQ sauce, country gravy, or burger sauce for dipping.
- Party Spread: Feature alongside deviled eggs, cheese boards, and fresh vegetables.
- Potlucks: Keep warm in a slow cooker set to ‘warm’ for prolonged gatherings.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Fully baked sausage balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat frozen balls for 1–2 minutes until sizzling.
- Oven/Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until hot throughout.
Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My sausage balls fall apart after baking. What am I doing wrong?
A: Not enough binding from the cream cheese or cheese, or uneven mixing. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and avoid adding too much flour.
Q: Can I make sausage balls without flour or Bisquick?
What others are reading
A: Yes, you can use a blend of flour and baking powder as a homemade substitute for Bisquick. Some recipes use breadcrumbs for variation.
Q: How do I know when sausage balls are fully cooked?
A: Sausage balls should be deeply golden brown and register at least 160°F internally with a meat thermometer.
Q: Can sausage balls be made ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Prepare them in advance, bake, and refrigerate or freeze as needed. Reheat just before serving.
Q: What other dips go well with sausage balls?
A: Try ranch, tzatziki, burger sauce, warm country gravy, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the flour for a gluten-free baking blend and check that all seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.
Q: Is it safe to use raw sausage?
A: Yes, raw sausage cooks safely in the oven as long as the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.
Ideas and Variations
- Spicy Sausage Balls: Use hot sausage or add cayenne pepper/jalapeños.
- Sweet & Savory: Maple sausage with Swiss cheese offers sweet undertones.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetarian sausage crumbles and use a plant-based cheese blend.
- Mini Sausage Biscuit Muffins: Portion batter into mini muffin tins for a different texture.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approx. 2–3 balls):
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~10g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbs: ~8g
*Nutrition will vary based on specific brands and modifications.
Sausage Balls Recipe Card
Yield: 8–12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and Creole seasoning.
- Crumble sausage in large bowl. Add cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, and flour mixture. Knead until blended.
- Form 1-tbsp balls and arrange on trays.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in small bowl.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with sauce.
Pro Tips for Sausage Balls Success
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix—just knead until combined for tender balls.
- Avoid overcrowding on baking sheets for even browning.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Sausage balls are a timeless appetizer combining convenience, comfort, and flavor. Whether for brunch, parties, game day, or meal prep, their savory cheese and sausage profile is always a hit. Mix up the cheese, sausage, or dip for new delicious experiences every time you bake a batch.
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