3-Ingredient Sausage Balls: Simple Recipe & Tips

The three essential ingredients for perfect sausage balls are: 1 pound of breakfast sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of self-rising flour. Mix these together, roll into 1-inch balls, and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. This simple recipe creates delicious, bite-sized snacks with minimal effort and pantry staples.

Why This 3-Ingredient Sausage Balls Recipe Works

When you're searching for easy 3 ingredient sausage balls recipe options, simplicity matters. This streamlined approach eliminates complicated steps and hard-to-find ingredients while delivering the cheesy, savory snack everyone loves. Home cooks consistently praise this minimalist version for its reliability and pantry-friendly components.

What You'll Need

For the simple sausage balls with only 3 ingredients that deliver maximum flavor:

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Breakfast sausage	1 pound	Use mild or spicy based on preference; fully cooked before mixing
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup	Sharp cheddar provides best flavor; pre-shredded works but block cheese melts better
Self-rising flour	1 cup	Essential for proper texture; don't substitute with all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating quick sausage ball recipe no biscuits requires just minutes of active time:

1. Cook the sausage thoroughly in a skillet until no pink remains, then drain excess grease and let cool slightly
2. Mix ingredients in a bowl: combine cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and self-rising flour until evenly distributed
3. Form balls using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, rolling between palms to create 1-inch spheres
4. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and set
5. Cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Avoid common pitfalls with these expert recommendations for your 3 ingredient sausage balls without biscuits recipe:

• Temperature matters: Let cooked sausage cool slightly before mixing to prevent melting the cheese prematurely
• Don't overmix: Combine ingredients just until incorporated to maintain tender texture
• Uniform sizing: Use a cookie scoop for consistent baking and appearance
• Baking surface: Parchment paper prevents sticking without adding extra grease
• Test one first: Bake a single test ball to check seasoning before making the entire batch

Customization Options

While the basic 3 ingredient sausage balls recipe stands perfectly on its own, these variations maintain the three-ingredient simplicity:

• Spicy kick: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for built-in heat
• Herb infusion: Choose sausage already seasoned with herbs like sage or rosemary
• Dipper upgrade: Serve with a store-bought dipping sauce to keep the three-ingredient promise intact
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavor profiles while keeping measurements identical

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These minimal ingredient sausage balls maintain quality with proper storage:

• Room temperature: Keep in airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigeration: Store for 5-7 days; reheat in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes
• Freezing: Place cooled balls on baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 3 months
• Reheating frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use biscuit mix instead of self-rising flour in 3 ingredient sausage balls?

No, substituting biscuit mix will create overly dense sausage balls. Self-rising flour contains the precise ratio of leavening agents needed for proper texture without additional ingredients. Biscuit mix contains shortening and sugar that would alter both texture and flavor significantly.

Why do my 3 ingredient sausage balls fall apart?

Sausage balls typically fall apart when the sausage contains too much grease that wasn't properly drained, or when the self-rising flour measurement is inaccurate. Ensure you drain cooked sausage thoroughly and use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to maintain the proper ingredient ratio.

Can I make 3 ingredient sausage balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For best results, shape into balls just before baking. You can also freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months—bake directly from frozen with slightly extended cooking time.

What's the best sausage to use for minimal ingredient sausage balls?

Pork breakfast sausage works best for traditional flavor, but you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Choose a variety with seasonings you enjoy since it significantly impacts the final taste. Avoid heavily smoked varieties as they can overpower the simple ingredient profile.