The Best Southern Sausage Balls Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Southern sausage balls bring hearty comfort to any gathering with their irresistible blend of savory flavors and crispy textures.

These delectable bite-sized treats combine classic ingredients that speak to traditional southern cooking traditions.

Cheese and meat mingle beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying snack that feels simultaneously rustic and indulgent.

Each morsel promises a burst of robust seasoning that dances across your palate with unexpected complexity.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these appetizers come together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment.

The simple yet strategic combination of ingredients upgrades ordinary pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Guests will eagerly devour these golden-brown morsels, craving every last delicious southern sausage ball.

What Makes Southern Sausage Balls Irresistible

• Burst with Cheesy Goodness: Packed with melted cheddar cheese, these sausage balls deliver an irresistible gooey center that stretches with every bite, creating a mouthwatering explosion of flavor.
• Quick Southern Comfort: Whip up this effortless recipe in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer for game days, parties, or unexpected guests craving a tasty snack.
• Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food: Bite-sized and easy to grab, these sausage balls are ideal for social gatherings, offering a convenient and delicious option that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Using simple ingredients like Bisquick and sausage, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum taste, making it a go-to for both novice and experienced cooks.

Southern Sausage Balls Ingredient List

• Sausage: A flavorful base that provides rich, savory taste and meaty texture for the sausage balls.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Bisquick: A convenient baking mix that provides structure and helps create a tender, light texture for the sausage balls.

• Milk: Helps to moisten the mixture and ensure the sausage balls hold together during baking.

Instructions for Making Southern Sausage Balls

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• Sausage
• Bisquick
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are completely integrated, ensuring a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Shape the Sausage Mixture

Roll the mixed ingredients into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball to allow for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Balls

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls turn golden brown. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly crispy on the exterior.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the sausage balls to rest for a few minutes, which helps them set and makes serving easier. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm.

Sausage Ball Tips for Best Texture

• Choose High-Quality Sausage: Select a flavorful, well-seasoned sausage to elevate the taste of your Southern Sausage Balls.
• Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands to blend ingredients, ensuring even distribution of cheese and Bisquick for consistent texture and flavor.
• Don't Overwork the Mixture: Gently combine ingredients to keep the balls light and tender, preventing tough, dense results.
• Space Balls Properly: Leave enough room between sausage balls on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and achieve crispy, golden edges.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausage reaches 160°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked balls.

Keep Southern Sausage Balls Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicious texture.
• Reheating: Warm the sausage balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and ensures they're heated evenly throughout. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy and tough.
• Freezing: Freeze baked sausage balls for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy.

Serving Southern Sausage Balls Right

• Pair with Zesty Beer Companions: Crisp lagers or hoppy IPAs complement the rich, savory flavors of these sausage balls, cutting through the cheesy heaviness and refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Create a Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: Whip up a quick honey mustard or spicy ranch dressing to elevate these balls from good to extraordinary, adding a tangy kick that makes every mouthful more exciting.
• Match with Bright Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light, crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sausage balls and provide a fresh contrast to their hearty texture.
• Breakfast Beverage Boost: Pair with fresh orange juice or a strong black coffee to transform these sausage balls into a perfect morning brunch item that satisfies both savory and breakfast cravings.

Fun Sausage Ball Flavor Ideas

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a zesty, fiery flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to bring a garden-fresh dimension to the traditional sausage balls.
• Breakfast Morning Blend: Incorporate crumbled cooked bacon and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a breakfast-inspired version that's perfect for weekend brunches.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap the sausage with plant-based ground meat alternatives and use gluten-free baking mix to create a veggie-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste.

Southern Sausage Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Savory Southern Sausage Balls bring classic Southern comfort to your appetizer spread, combining zesty sausage, sharp cheddar, and hearty Bisquick for an irresistible bite-sized treat. Guests will crave these spicy, cheesy morsels that deliver a perfect balance of flavor and texture in each delightful pop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound sausage (can use spicy)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups Bisquick

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure smooth removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground pork sausage, Bisquick baking mix, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk until the mixture becomes uniform and well-integrated.
3. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, carefully form the mixture into bite-sized spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the sausage spheres on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow proper heat circulation and prevent them from merging during baking.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the cheese develops a slight crispy edge.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the sausage balls to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps them maintain structural integrity and makes handling easier.
7. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or snack, optionally accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice for added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Prep your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools before starting to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
• Choose high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and a more robust taste in your sausage balls.
• Keep sausage balls warm by placing them in a slow cooker on low heat if serving at a party or gathering to maintain their delicious temperature.
• Freeze uncooked sausage balls for up to 3 months by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for quick future appetizers.
• Make these balls ahead of time by preparing the mixture and shaping them a day in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique twists to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg