Bisquick Sausage Balls are a classic comfort snack that’s so simple and satisfying. Made with just a few ingredients—Bisquick mix, ground sausage, and shredded cheese—they come together easily and bake up fluffy on the inside with a crispy outside. These little bites are packed with cheesy, savory flavor, perfect for any time you need something quick and tasty.
I love making these when I want something that’s fuss-free but still feels like a homemade treat. They’re great for busy mornings, parties, or even a quick snack while watching a game. One tip I always follow is to make sure the sausage is well mixed in so every bite has that perfect balance of meat and cheese. I sometimes add a little extra cheese because, well, why not?
Serving these warm straight from the oven with a little dipping sauce makes everyone happy, in my experience. They’re great on their own or served alongside eggs or a fresh salad if you want a fuller meal. I have fond memories of bringing a plate of these to family gatherings, and they always disappear fast—so keep plenty on hand!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bisquick Baking Mix: This mix is the base that gives these sausage balls a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have Bisquick, you can substitute with a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch of shortening. Just keep the proportions similar.
Ground Sausage: Use your favorite breakfast sausage. Mild sausage keeps things gentle, while spicy adds a nice kick. For a leaner option, you might try ground turkey sausage, but the flavor will be milder.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold cheese flavor and melts well. Feel free to use other melty cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Sausage Balls?
The key is mixing and shaping just right. You want the ingredients well combined so every bite has all flavors, but don’t overmix, or the balls might get tough.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are just blended.
- Make balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide—small enough to cook evenly but not so small they dry out.
- Don’t pack the balls too tightly; gentle shaping helps keep them tender.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Watch to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
Let them cool a few minutes before serving—they firm up and hold together better, making them easier to pick up and enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I find a large bowl makes mixing all the ingredients easier and less messy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy, especially with the cheese and spices.
- Ice cream scoop or tablespoon – helps shape uniform sausage balls quickly.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface for the sausage balls to bake evenly. Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Oven – 350°F (175°C) is perfect for baking these until golden and cooked through.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness and flavor.
- Include chopped cooked bacon or ham for additional smokiness and texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh, herbal note.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and simple! You’ll spend about 10 minutes mixing and shaping the sausage balls, then about 20 to 25 minutes baking them. So all together, plan for around 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the sausage balls from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix, ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and any optional seasonings like parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly — you can use your hands or a spoon — until the mixture is well blended and sticky but holds together.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they bake evenly.
4. Bake Until Golden:
Bake the sausage balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color on the outside. They should feel firm and look slightly crispy.
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious just as they are or paired with your favorite dipping sauce like mustard or ranch dressing.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the sausage is fully thawed before mixing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps the mixture blend evenly and ensures even cooking.
Can I Make These Sausage Balls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the sausage balls, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them in advance and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. They also freeze well—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes! Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for mild meltiness, or smoked gouda for extra flavor. Just make sure the cheese is shredded so it melts evenly.