These Bisquick sausage balls are cheesy, savory, and packed with delicious flavor in every bite!
Made with six simple ingredients, this classic appetizer comes together quickly and is perfect for holiday parties, game days, brunch and family gatherings.
With crispy, golden brown edges and a tender, cheesy center, these bite-sized treats are always a crowd pleaser.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This easy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and requires minimal prep time. Simply mix, shape and bake!
- Perfect for entertaining: These cheesy sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for holiday parties, game days, potlucks and family gatherings.
- Packed with flavor: Savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned biscuit mix create a delicious combination in every bite.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the sausage mixture in advance or freeze unbaked sausage balls for later use.
- Customizable: Use spicy sausage, turkey sausage or different types of cheese to make this classic recipe your own.
What Are Bisquick Sausage Balls?
Bisquick sausage balls are a classic Southern appetizer made with sausage, shredded cheese and biscuit mix. The ingredients are combined into a thick mixture, shaped into bite-sized balls and baked until golden brown.
The original Bisquick sausage balls recipe is especially popular during the holidays, but these savory sausage balls are delicious any time of the year. They’re easy to transport, simple to serve, and don’t require utensils – making them perfect finger foods for entertaining.
The traditional version uses pork breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese and Bisquick mix.
Ingredients
- Bisquick
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Bulk sausage
- Milk
- Dried parsley
- Onion powder
How to Make Bisquick Sausage Balls
Make the Sausage Mixture
Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You’ll probably need to use your hands because the mixture will be very thick and dry.
Form the Sausage Balls
The easiest way to form the sausage balls is by using a cookie scoop. I recommend using a 2 Tbsp. cookie scoop. If you don’t have one, use a regular spoon and form the balls by rolling them between your palms.
Bake the Sausage Balls
The sausage balls will bake up golden brown in about 25 minutes. Then, let them cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before serving.
What Kind of Sausage to Use for Bisquick Sausage Balls
- Pork Breakfast Sausage. This is the traditional option for classic Bisquick sausage balls. It has enough fat to keep the mixture moist while adding plenty of savory flavor.You can use mild, regular or hot varieties depending on how much spice you prefer. Bulk sausage is especially convenient because it doesn’t have casings that need to be removed.
- Hot or Spicy Sausage. For a little extra heat, try hot sausage. This is an easy way to add flavor without changing the basic recipe.
- Italian Sausage. Italian sausage gives the sausage balls a different flavor profile. Mild or hot Italian sausage works well in this recipe.
- Turkey Sausage. This is my go-to option. I make my sausage balls using hot Italian turkey sausage with the casings removed. It’s a great alternative to pork sausage if you like a leaner option.
Serving Suggestions
Bisquick sausage balls are a versatile appetizer that work for breakfast, brunch, holiday parties and more.
Serve them with any of these dipping sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Maple syrup
- Spicy mustard
- Creamy cheese sauce
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage mixture in a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge up to 1 day in advance. Or, portion the mixture into balls and cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap. You can also fully prepare the sausage balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage: Store leftover sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze them. Flash freeze sausage balls on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Reheat them in a warm oven or air fryer.
Why Are My Sausage Balls Dry?
Dry sausage balls are a common problem, but a few simple adjustments can help you achieve the perfect sausage ball texture.
1. Too Much Bisquick Mix
Adding too much Bisquick can make the mixture overly dry and crumbly. Measure the biscuit mix carefully and avoid adding extra unless the mixture is unusually wet.
If the dough seems too dry to hold together, try adding a small splash of milk to bring the ingredients together.
2. Not Enough Fat
Sausage fat helps keep the sausage balls moist. Very lean sausage, including some turkey sausage varieties, may produce a drier result than regular pork breakfast sausage. You may need to add extra milk if the balls don’t stick together.
3. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how easily the cheese blends into the mixture. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese will produce a more cohesive mixture.
4. Overbaking the Sausage Balls
Overbaking is one of the most common reasons sausage balls become dry. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark, especially if you’ve made smaller balls. When I use a 2 Tbsp. measure, my turkey sausage balls are perfect at the 23 minute mark.
5. Not Mixing the Ingredients Enough
The sausage, cheese, and Bisquick need to be evenly distributed for the best results. The best way is often to use your hands.
Can You Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes! Sausage balls freeze very well, whether you freeze them before or after baking.
Before baking: Arrange the uncooked sausage balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, or until the balls are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. You can then bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
After baking: Same process as above, only they’ll freeze a lot faster. Flash freezing prevents the sausage balls from sticking together, so you can remove just the amount you need.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the mixture nicely and gives the sausage balls loads of flavor.
- Choose the right sausage: Regular pork breakfast sausage is the classic choice, but hot sausage, Italian sausage and turkey sausage offer delicious alternatives.
- Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop helps create evenly sized balls so they cook at the same rate.
- Experiment with seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes are easy ways to customize the flavor.
- Serve with sauces: Honey mustard, barbecue sauce and homemade ranch dressing are all delicious accompaniments.
When you make these Bisquick sausage balls, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more holiday appetizer recipes, try these:
- Easy Rumaki Recipe (Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts)
- Holiday Baked Brie Fig Jam Wreath
- Caramelized Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 16 oz. sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 lb. bulk sausage
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Use your hands if necessary to make sure everything is well mixed. The mixture will be dry.
- Use a 2 Tbsp. cookie scoop to portion out the sausage balls. Place them onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. They will not expand too much so you can place them pretty close together, if necessary.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Allow to cool on the baking sheet.
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