Perfect Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe in 20 Minutes

The perfect Bisquick sausage ball recipe requires just 4 simple ingredients: 1 pound of sausage, 2 cups of Bisquick baking mix, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of milk. Combine all ingredients, roll into 1-inch balls, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. This easy recipe makes approximately 30 sausage balls and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.

If you're searching for the ultimate easy Bisquick sausage balls recipe, you've found it. These cheesy, savory bite-sized treats have become a staple at parties, game days, and family gatherings across America. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using Bisquick baking mix eliminates the need for multiple dry ingredients while delivering that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.

Why This Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe Works

Unlike traditional sausage ball recipes that require flour, baking powder, and salt separately, Bisquick combines these elements into one convenient mix. This cheesy sausage balls with Bisquick recipe has stood the test of time for good reason—it's nearly impossible to mess up. The baking mix creates the ideal texture while absorbing just enough grease from the sausage to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients for Perfect Sausage Balls

Before you start mixing, gather these simple ingredients. All measurements are precise for best results:

1 pound (16 oz) bulk pork sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded works, but block cheese melts better)
1/4 cup milk (any fat percentage works)

Equipment You'll Need

This quick party appetizer recipe requires minimal equipment:

Mixing bowl
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease and let cool for 5 minutes.
Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl: cooked sausage, Bisquick, shredded cheese, and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Form balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll gently between your palms to create uniform 1-inch balls.
Arrange on baking sheet with about 1 inch between each ball.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and set. The sausage balls should feel firm when gently pressed.
Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Balls

These professional kitchen-tested tips will elevate your homemade sausage ball recipe using baking mix:

Don't skip the cooling step for the cooked sausage—adding hot sausage to Bisquick can cause premature cooking of the mix.
Use cold ingredients—chilled cheese and milk help maintain the structure during baking.
Don't overmix—stir just until combined to avoid tough sausage balls.
Test one first—bake a single sausage ball to check seasoning before making the entire batch.
Golden brown is key—underbaked sausage balls will be doughy, while overbaked ones become dry.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic sausage ball recipe for large crowd, experiment with these popular variations:

Variation	Additional Ingredients	Best For
Jalapeño Popper	1/2 cup diced jalapeños, 1/4 cup cream cheese	Spicy appetizer lovers
Bacon Ranch	1/2 cup crumbled bacon, 2 tbsp ranch seasoning	Game day gatherings
Everything Bagel	1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning	Brunch parties
Buffalo Chicken	1 cup shredded chicken, 1/4 cup buffalo sauce	Super Bowl parties

Serving Suggestions

Serve these best sausage balls for game day warm for optimal flavor and texture. They pair perfectly with:

Creamy dip (ranch, cheese, or honey mustard)
Fresh vegetable platter
Simple green salad for balance
Your favorite hot sauce on the side

For large gatherings, keep sausage balls warm in a slow cooker set to 'warm' for up to 2 hours. Place a damp paper towel at the bottom to prevent drying.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best features of this sausage ball recipe using Bisquick is how well they store:

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months

To reheat, place sausage balls on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make sausage balls without cheese?

Yes, you can make sausage balls without cheese by increasing the Bisquick to 2 1/4 cups and adding an extra tablespoon of milk. The cheese adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients, so without it, you might need to handle the mixture more gently when forming balls.

How do I prevent sausage balls from falling apart?

To prevent sausage balls from falling apart, ensure you're using the right ratio of ingredients (2:1 Bisquick to sausage by volume), don't skip the milk which acts as a binder, and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before shaping. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes makes handling easier.

Can I use gluten-free Bisquick for sausage balls?

Yes, you can use gluten-free Bisquick for sausage balls with excellent results. The texture might be slightly more delicate, so handle the mixture gently when forming balls. You may need to add an extra teaspoon of milk as gluten-free mixes often absorb more liquid.

How many sausage balls does this recipe make?

This standard Bisquick sausage ball recipe makes approximately 30 one-inch balls. For larger gatherings, simply double the recipe—just be careful not to overcrowd your mixing bowl, which can lead to uneven mixing.

Why are my sausage balls dry?

Sausage balls become dry when overbaked or when using lean sausage with insufficient fat content. For moist sausage balls, use regular (not lean) sausage, don't overbake (remove when just golden), and ensure you include the full amount of milk in the recipe. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F.