Easy Sausage Ball Recipe: 3 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

The easiest sausage ball recipe combines 1 pound of sausage, 2 cups of biscuit mix, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients, form into 1-inch balls, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Ready in under 30 minutes with just 3 basic ingredients, this crowd-pleasing appetizer requires no fancy equipment and delivers perfect results every time.

When you need a quick party appetizer that disappears from the platter faster than you can refill it, this easy sausage ball recipe delivers. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings, these savory bites have earned their place as a Southern classic for good reason. Unlike complicated appetizer recipes that require specialty ingredients, this version uses pantry staples you likely already have.

What makes this recipe truly stand out among easy sausage ball recipes is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. You won't find unnecessary steps or hard-to-find ingredients here—just straightforward instructions that guarantee tender, cheesy sausage balls with that ideal crispy exterior. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned host, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.

Simple Sausage Ball Ingredients

This easy sausage ball recipe with biscuit mix requires just five basic ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—swap ingredients based on dietary needs or what's in your pantry without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Raw breakfast sausage	1 pound	Mild or spicy, bulk or removed from casings
Self-rising biscuit mix	2 cups	Bisquick or generic equivalent
Sharp cheddar cheese	1 cup	Shredded, not pre-shredded for best melt
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon	Optional but recommended
Cayenne pepper	¼ teaspoon	Adjust to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these simple steps for perfect sausage balls every time. This quick sausage ball recipe for parties requires minimal hands-on time, letting you focus on other party preparations.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat
3. Cool slightly for 5 minutes (warm sausage incorporates better than hot)
4. Combine ingredients in a large bowl: sausage, biscuit mix, cheese, and seasonings
5. Mix thoroughly with hands until completely combined (dough will be sticky)
6. Form 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon
7. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through
8. Cool 5 minutes before serving (they firm up as they cool)

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls

Master this easy sausage ball recipe with these professional insights that transform good sausage balls into exceptional ones:

• Cheese selection matters: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch, but you can substitute pepper jack for spice or Colby jack for milder taste in your homemade sausage balls with cheddar cheese
• Dough consistency: If mixture seems dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk; if too wet, add more biscuit mix a tablespoon at a time
• Uniform sizing: Use a #60 cookie scoop for perfectly even cooking—this is crucial for the best easy sausage ball recipe results
• No biscuit mix? Make your own substitute: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar

Variations for Dietary Needs

This adaptable recipe works for various dietary restrictions while maintaining that signature sausage ball flavor:

• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free biscuit mix for a reliable gluten free sausage ball recipe option
• Cheese-free version: Omit cheese and add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast plus 1 teaspoon onion powder for how to make sausage balls without cheese
• Lower fat alternative: Substitute turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese (note: texture will be slightly different)
• Spice variations: Add 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeños or 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for flavor twists

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One reason this quick sausage ball recipe for parties remains popular is its excellent make-ahead qualities:

• Room temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keeps for 5-7 days—reheat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 3 months—bake frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to sausage ball cooking time
• Make ahead: Prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate—this is ideal for make ahead sausage ball preparation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your easy sausage ball recipe with biscuit mix turns out perfectly:

• Greasy balls: This happens when using high-fat sausage—always drain cooked sausage thoroughly
• Dry texture: Overmixing or using too much biscuit mix causes dryness—mix just until combined
• Flat balls: Warm sausage melts the cheese too quickly—let sausage cool slightly before mixing
• Uneven cooking: Inconsistent sizing leads to some burning while others remain raw—use a scoop for uniform size

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit mix in sausage balls?

Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough for biscuit mix in a 1:1 ratio. Unroll the dough, press seams together, and cut into small squares before wrapping around sausage mixture. Note that crescent roll dough creates a flakier texture compared to the traditional biscuit mix version.

How do I prevent sausage balls from becoming dry?

To prevent dry sausage balls, don't overcook them (18-20 minutes maximum at 350°F), use full-fat sausage, and ensure you measure biscuit mix correctly. If mixture seems dry before baking, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Overmixing can also lead to dryness, so combine ingredients just until incorporated.

What's the ideal sausage ball cooking time for mini versions?

For mini sausage balls (about 1-inch diameter), bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. They're done when golden brown on top and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Check them at 12 minutes as they can overcook quickly due to their small size.

Can I prepare sausage ball dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare sausage ball dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then scoop and bake when needed. You can also freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen balls, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Why do my sausage balls fall apart when baking?

Sausage balls fall apart when there's insufficient binder (biscuit mix) or when the sausage contains too much moisture. Ensure you use the correct 2:1 ratio of biscuit mix to sausage, drain cooked sausage thoroughly, and let it cool slightly before mixing. If mixture seems wet, add more biscuit mix one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.