Sausage balls — classic, crowd-pleasing, party-perfect! They’re basically cheesy, savory little bites made from sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, baked until golden and delicious.
Here’s a solid, foolproof recipe for a tray of sausage balls you can whip up quickly.
Classic Sausage Balls (Tray-Baked)
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 cups biscuits baking mix (like Bisquick)
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¼ cup milk (optional, for moister dough)
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 tsp dried parsley or chives for color
Instructions
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Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
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Mix ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheddar, and biscuit mix.
If you want moister sausage balls, add milk a tablespoon at a time until dough sticks together but isn’t too wet. -
Season: Add garlic powder, pepper, and herbs if using; mix well.
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Form balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: 20–25 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp ~160°F or 71°C).
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Serve warm! These are perfect as-is or with mustard, ranch, or spicy dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
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Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mix in Parmesan for a sharper bite.
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Sausage: Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
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Add-ins: Mix in a handful of finely chopped green onions, jalapeños, or cooked bacon bits.
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Make ahead: Freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then store in bags. Bake from frozen — add 5–7 minutes to bake time.
If you want, I can help you scale this recipe up or down, suggest dipping sauces, or provide a spicy variant! Want to go for it?