These golden, cheesy Bisquick sausage balls are everything you want in a party appetizer - crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with sharp cheddar and savory sausage. I first made these for a New Year's Eve party years ago, and they disappeared so fast I barely got one myself. They're incredibly easy to throw together, and the best partYou can prep them ahead and bake them right before your guests arrive.
If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing breakfast bites, you'll love these Easy Stuffed Bagel Bites Recipe (Just 4 Ingredients!) or this Best French Toast Casserole Recipe (Ready in 40 Minutes!) for a cozy brunch spread.
Why You'll Love This Bisquick Sausage Balls
These Bisquick Sausage Balls are a total crowd-pleaser. The mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives them a rich, tangy flavor, while the Italian seasoning and garlic powder add just enough warmth and depth. They bake up golden and tender in about 25 minutes, and you don't need any fancy skills or equipment to make them.
They're perfect for potlucks because they travel well and taste great warm or at room temperature. Plus, they're easy to make ahead—just roll them, refrigerate, and bake when you're ready. If you're planning a bigger breakfast spread, try pairing them with Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe (Ready in 35 Minutes!) for a hearty, savory start to the day.
Whether you're hosting a party, bringing an appetizer to a friend's house, or just want something cozy to snack on, these easy Bisquick Sausage Balls deliver every time.
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Bisquick Sausage Balls Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these cheesy, savory bites.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Ground pork sausage: This is the flavor base of the recipe. Room temperature sausage mixes more easily with the other ingredients and helps everything come together smoothly.
- Bisquick baking mix: Acts as the binder and gives the sausage balls their tender, slightly biscuit-like texture. It's what holds everything together without making them dense.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well because of the added coating.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that balances the richness of the cheddar and sausage.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a subtle, savory warmth.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic flavor that complements the sausage and cheese without overpowering them.
- Whole milk: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the sausage balls moist. If the dough feels dry, the milk brings it all together.
How to Make Bisquick Sausage Balls
Follow these simple steps to make perfect Bisquick Sausage Balls every time.
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper so the sausage balls don't stick.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sausage, Bisquick, cheddar, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and milk. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it's well combined. If the mixture feels a little dry at first, keep mixing—it'll come together as the ingredients warm up and blend.
Shape the balls: Wet your hands lightly with water to keep the mixture from sticking. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each ball and roll it gently between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sausage balls are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. The edges should look crispy and the tops should have a nice golden color.
Serve: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adjust this Bisquick Sausage Balls to fit what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Bisquick substitute: If you don't have Bisquick, you can use a homemade baking mix or even almond flour for a low-carb version. Just know that almond flour will make the texture denser and slightly drier.
Cheese swaps: Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack if you want to switch up the flavor. Pepper jack adds a nice kick of heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free Bisquick. The mixture will be a bit less sticky, but the results are still delicious.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Lighter version: Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. They'll still taste great but with fewer calories.
Equipment For Bisquick Sausage Balls
You don't need much to make these, just a few basic kitchen tools.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients. A sturdy bowl makes mixing easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get the ingredient amounts right.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Keeps the sausage balls from rolling off and catches any grease that drips during baking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Oven: For baking the sausage balls until they're golden and cooked through.
- Spoon or scoop: A cookie scoop or tablespoon makes portioning the dough quick and even.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These Bisquick Sausage Balls store beautifully and reheat well.
Refrigerator: Store cooked Bisquick Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for 30 seconds.
Freezer: You can freeze cooked Bisquick Sausage Balls for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Freezing unbaked: Roll the sausage balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These baked Bisquick Sausage Balls are versatile and pair well with lots of different foods.
Game day spread: Serve them alongside buffalo wings, veggie sticks with ranch, and chips and dip for a classic game day setup.
Holiday appetizer platter: Arrange them on a platter with crackers, cheese, and fresh fruit for an easy holiday appetizer spread.
Breakfast pairing: Serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty, savory breakfast. They also go beautifully with Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats for a mix of sweet and savory.
Dipping sauces: Offer marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips
Use room temperature sausage: Cold sausage is harder to mix and won't combine as smoothly with the other ingredients.
Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives you a creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the Bisquick Sausage Balls less gooey.
Don't overmix: Mix just until everything is combined. Overworking the dough can make the sausage balls tough.
Wet your hands: This keeps the mixture from sticking to your fingers and makes rolling the balls much easier.
Uniform size: Try to make all the Bisquick Sausage Balls about the same size so they bake evenly.
Check for doneness: If you're not sure if they're cooked through, cut one open. The center should be fully cooked with no pink remaining.
FAQ
What is the secret to the best sausage balls?
The secret is using freshly grated sharp cheddar and room temperature sausage. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives you that gooey texture everyone loves. Also, don't skip the milk—it keeps the mixture moist and helps everything bind together. My mom always says to mix with your hands because you can feel when the dough is just right.
How much Bisquick do you use when making sausage balls?
This recipe uses 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix for 1 pound of sausage. That ratio gives you the perfect balance of tender texture without being too dense or dry. If your mixture feels too sticky, you can add a tablespoon or two more Bisquick, but usually 2 cups is just right.
What can be substituted for Bisquick in sausage balls?
You can use a homemade baking mix made with flour, baking powder, salt, and a little shortening. Almond flour works for a low-carb version, but the texture will be denser. Some people use all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder, but Bisquick gives the fluffiest results. Gluten-free Bisquick works great too if you need a gluten-free option.
Do you cook the sausage before making sausage balls?
No, you use raw ground pork sausage straight from the package. The sausage cooks through as the balls bake in the oven. Just make sure the sausage is at room temperature so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. The baking time is long enough to cook the sausage completely, so there's no need to pre-cook it.
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Pairing
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Bisquick Sausage Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center, then line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sausage, baking mix, cheddar, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and milk into a large bowl and work everything together until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Lightly dampen your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1½ tablespoons each, arrange them on the pan, and bake until deeply golden and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes.
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